Many of us have had those fleeting thoughts and fears of what we’d do in the event of a fire. For Richard Metro of our accounting team in Lake Mary, FL, his fears became a reality. He’s not sure what woke him 3:30 AM earlier this week, but thanks to Richard, he and his next door neighbor are both alive to tell the story.
Barefoot adrenaline.
Waking up to the smell of smoke, Richard looked out his window and saw that his neighbor’s car was engulfed in flames. Running out of his house barefoot, he wasn’t sure where to start. Richard knocked on all windows and doors while dialing 911, but there was no sign of his neighbor. Then, the car blew up and the house became an inferno of devastation -- quickly.
He ran home, grabbed his shoes and a military flashlight to break the windows. As he ran back, he finally saw her coming out of her house in tears because her dog was still inside.
Richard, also a dog owner, understood how important her four-legged family member was and jumped into a smoke filled room through the window, but there was no sign of her dog. Richard blacked out from smoke inhalation and was dragged out by first responders. Now, the fire was nearing his home. He woke his roommates, grabbed “Leo” - his Golden Doodle, some valuables, and drove to a safe area.
Felt like an eternity.
Richard returned to find his house undamaged, however he was heartbroken to learn his neighbor’s dog had not survived. Although the experience took place in a matter of a few short minutes, it felt like an eternity.
A number of local news stations came to the scene and interviewed Richard; deeming him a hero. Sadly, he doesn’t feel that way.
I was so devastated and I felt like a failure. I have a dog and I walk him all the time and I would always stop to talk to my neighbor when she was walking her dog. I keep asking myself what I could have done differently to save her as well as her dog.
Putting it in perspective.
Richard is now feeling more gratitude than remorse. He did go to the hospital for oxygen treatment, but was back at work the next day. He said it helped to be back with his friends and co-workers rather than dwell on what had happened
On January 16th, Richard saved not only his neighbor’s life -- but his own.
See the slides below of the neighbor’s home and Richard’s beloved dog Leo.
