Neoga, IL-(Effingham Radio)- From the Neoga Fire Protection District Facebook Page:
The Neoga Fire Protection District would like to recognize Lieutenant Cameron Finney for his acts of heroism at the Structure Fire this morning at Prahls Drive.
Lt. Finney was stretching a handline for Fire attack when he was notified by a bystander that a resident was still inside one of the houses that was on fire. He made a radio call asking for help, but due to being short staffed at the fire this morning, all other hands were busy doing essential tasks. Lt. Finney made the Decision to enter the structure due to credible sources in front of this house that a male was in fact still inside. Within 15 feet of the front door he encountered the male attempting to self rescue but being severely hindered by the amount of smoke collecting in the residence. Lt. Finney assisted him with walking out to the porch to fresh air and then helped him from the porch to the front yard before going to get extra help for patient care. The patient was transported to the hospital for care and was eventually released from the hospital to make a full recovery.
Lt. Finney said when he returned with a hose line to begin fighting fire it was discovered that fire was already occupying the attic space and soon after caused the ceiling to collapse. It has been recognized that without the intervention of Lt. Finney that the patient had a high likelihood of not being able to exit the structure on his own power.
This is the FIRST documented civilian rescue in a fire event in the History of the Neoga Fire Protection District. Thank you for your dedication to the fire department and the citizens of Neoga Cameron, and thank you to the Finney family for excusing the countless hours of time away from home dedicated to training and service for the department.
Comments