Sunday, October 11, 2009
Firefighter saves 92-year-old man from apartment fire. But first he had to dock his boat. The story from Florida.
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From his boat, an off-duty Bonita Springs firefighter saw plumes of smoke.
Jason Burgess acted immediately, docking his boat and running up to the second-floor apartment at the Shell Point retirement community, said Iona- McGregor Fire Rescue spokeswoman Lauri McMahon. Inside, was 92-year-old Herbert Hansen.
The fire that started on the lanai of Hansen’s condominium was tempered by sprinklers, she said. Burgess, 38, of Cape Coral, reportedly dragged the man from the flames, which started near the couch in the corner of the lanai.
Hansen suffered burns to his hands, legs and face and was taken by helicopter to Lee Memorial Hospital. As of Saturday evening, he remained in serious condition.
McMahon said Burgess only stayed until paramedics and Iona-McGregor firefighters arrived. He later got on his boat and left.
He couldn’t be reached for comment late Saturday.
“In the short time firefighter Burgess has been with us, he has showed exceptional qualities and I wouldn’t expect anything less. I’m extremely proud of him,” according to a statement from Bonita Springs Fire Chief Phil Kinsey, Jr.
“Know his character, it’s not surprising,” said Debbie Redfield, spokeswoman at Bonita Springs Fire Rescue.
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