A Seward-area volunteer firefighter has been named Alaska 2012 Firefighter of the Year by the Alaska Division of Fire and Life Safety.

Autumn Ludwig of the Bear Creek Fire Service Area was picked for the honor for assistance to a runner July Fourth in the Mount Marathon Race.

KTUU-TV reports Ludwig spotted Penny Assman falling and risked her own life by breaking Assman's fall about 15 feet down a rock surface.

A photographer snapped a photo of Assman, a pilot with the Utah National Guard, nearly horizontal as she fell.

The association says Ludwig protected Assman from life-threatening injuries and gave her aid.

Assman spent five days in a hospital after the fall but is healed and able to fly again.