It is nice to hear something positive. Congratulations Joseph. Even though several others lost their lives, he went in and saved one. My prayers go out to the family.
Joseph Connor took a routine tour of a Martinez fire station in March, getting a look at the fire engines and other tools of the trade.
"It was a standard walk-through," Andy Cloud of the Martinez Fire Department recalled Thursday.
But a few days after the job shadowing session, Mr. Cloud received an e-mail.
"I was like 'Oh, wow,' " he said of opening the message.
Mr. Connor, a 19-year-old Butler High School student, had used the CPR refresher course he learned at the fire station to save his neighbor's life.
Not only that, but he had dashed into the burning home and dragged 6-year-old Shakiera Rouse out.
"I was kind of whacked out that he would run into a burning building," Mr. Cloud said. "Everybody dials 911."
On March 7, the A. Dorothy Hains Elementary first-grader survived a kitchen fire that killed her mother, Yolanda Hankerson; sister Laquisha Hankerson, 9; and cousin Zyon Nelson, 4, at their home on Kevin Drive.
Shakiera was released from the Medical College of Georgia Children's Medical Center on Monday, according to a hospital spokeswoman.
Her grandmother Joeann Hankerson said she is happy to have her home.
"She's walking, and she's doing just fine," Ms. Hankerson said.
For his life-saving heroics, Mr. Connor was honored by the Georgia Department of Labor on Thursday during an awards banquet held for High School High Tech.
The program for students with disabilities helps them transition into the work force and higher education.
"We have in our midst a true hero," said Carl McRae, the department's director of vocational rehabilitation.
But Mr. Connor, who wants to be a firefighter, quickly dismisses the title of hero.
"I'm not a hero," he said. "I'm just another person."
He said he considered his neighbors part of his family.
Staff Writer Stephanie Toone contributed to this story.
Reach Greg Gelpi at (706) 828-3851 or greg.gelpi@augustachronicle.com.
Comments
It is nice to hear something positive. Congratulations Joseph. Even though several others lost their lives, he went in and saved one. My prayers go out to the family.
Jsoeph, you most certainly are a hero and a modest one at that. Very few will risk their own life in order to save anothers and you certainly passed the test for being a hero. Keep up the great start you have on life and may God continue to bless you in all that you do.
I agree, Joseph, that you are a hero. What America needs are more people like you who are willing to help someone in need. Thank you!
Way to be , Joseph. Quick, informed action when it's needed. You're a good neighbor and a good addition to society. Well done, young man.
Great job Joseph!! You would be an asset to our fire department.
Joseph, you are a hero and deserve the recognition. I thank God for people like you.
Joseph, Asitisinaug said it perfectly, and I agree whole heartedly! There is a little girl and a grandmother whose lives you changed forever in a most positive way. I thank God for your strength and courage, and may your career always be a blessing to you and those you serve. Thank you for being such a positive force in our community ... and thanks to your mom for raising such a respectable young man.
Yes he is a hero. How sad for this little girl to lose her family like that.
His neighbors are lucky to have him as a neighbor.. If only all neighbors were like him..
Thanks, Joseph, for doing what you thought was right. You were brave an bold and are certainly Augusta's hero this year!!! I wish you luck as you pursue a firefighting career. God bless you! Thanks for saving little Shakiera!
Good Job Joe! You are a hero! Been knowing you since you were a little kid and its good to see you grow up to be a young man that has his head on straight. God Bless You!
Keep it up young man, this is your path and you need to stay on it
Joseph Connor is the kind of person we all need as neighbors. Good job Joe. You are "THE MAN."
A hero in every sense of the word!!
A hero. A nice young man who was brought up right. God bless you for saving that little girl's life. I know your family is proud of you.
The recognition should go beyond the Dept of Labor. Joe deserves at least State recognition (as in Gov's Office).
Bless you Joseph, what a courageous act. I heard that Yolanda Hankerson had also heroically saved someone from a previous fire at a nearby home not long before she perished in this one. God bless her, too. I'm sure Yolanda, Lequisha and Zyon went straight to God's arms.
I can't add any more to what has already been said, so I will just say what a brave young man! Surely the mayor's office can do a proclamation in his honor. It is the least he deserves.
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