Kosice, November 9, 2005 - U. S. Steel Kosice President David H. Lohr together with Director Plant Security and Fire Protection Richard Douglas have festively appreciated a fire brigade member of the plant Ferrohas today. The fireman Benjamin Brandis was worthy of the company leadership's appreciation for his courage, professional conduct and brave deed having been expressed by him during a September intervention in the plant premises.

A fire occurred at morning hours on September 28, 2005 on the liquid oxygen equipment of the plant Power Plant. In the course of the fire team's intervention one fireman's inflammation took place. The intervention head Benjamin Brandis extinguished the affected colleague with his own body, while himself suffering burns, and lead him away into safe place. In spite of injury he went on managing the firemen's team and found medical treatment as late as he became convinced that fire was under control. Benjamin Brandis suffered second-degree burns on his face and legs. The colleague having been rescued by him was transported into the hospital with third-degree burns on his left hand and both limbs.

"Professional conduct by the intervention head Benjamin Brandis was exemplary. Gratitude and appreciation of all the company belongs to him for courageous conduct he saved his friend's and colleague's life," U. S. Steel Kosice President David H. Lohr said in the course of the ceremonial act.

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Further information:

Jan Baca
Director Public Affairs
U. S. Steel Kosice, s.r.o.
Tel.: +421 55 673 4476
Fax: +421 55 673 0330
E-mail: jbacask.uss.com