Article, info, text and photos provided by Mayor Gary Christenson's Office:

Mayor Gary Christenson honored four unsung heroes for their courageous efforts in making sure residents in a smoke-filled burning home got out safely during a fire last week. Citations were presented by Mayor Christenson and City Council President Judi Bucci along with Councillor-at-Large Greg Lucey. Deputy Fire Chief Tom Walsh also thanked them for their quick action in assisting the Fire Department.

Kathy Delaney was dropping her daughter off at school when she noticed the smoke and flames. She jumped out of her car and instructed crossing guard, Anthony Nardone to go into the Charter School to call 911. Tom Proctor just happened to be driving by the house and together with Kathy went into the three-story burning building to alert residents. Tom and Kathy made sure that every resident exited safely.

Crossing Guard Joe Saravia assisted Anthony with keeping the residents calm, instructing them to stay on the sidewalk and discouraging them from going back into the house for belongings. When a woman was struggling to breathe because she had left her inhaler in her apartment, Tom ran back into the burning building and got it for her.

“There is no doubt that the actions of these four residents last Friday saved lives. This was such a fast-moving fire that without their quick action, there most likely would have been a different outcome,” said Mayor Christenson, “I am humbled by their bravery.”

Added City Council President Judi Bucci, “I can’t say enough to these folks, I was thrilled to let them know how much I admired them. I’m certainly in awe by the actions taken by these four individuals, I have to pause when I think about their selfless act to not give their safety a second thought running into this building.”