Two firefighters receive Medals of Heroism

  This is Paul Janensch with a Treasure Coast Essay about the awarding of Medals of Heroism by Governor Rick Scott to two St. Lucie County firefighters for rescuing a boy from a burning house.  It was Presidents Day 2013.  No school.   Eight-year-old Demetrius Gollett was at the home of his great-grandparents Willie and Barbara Ponders in Fort Pierce.  Willie Ponders’ cigarette sparked a fire that soon engulfed the little house.  Lieutenants Steven Burns and Christopher Longo joined other firefighters at the scene.  Demetrius was still inside.  Burns and Longo broke into the house and carried the boy through the flames to safety.  The great-grandparents died of their injuries.  Demetrius is recovering.  Governor Scott said of Burns and Longo, “Their bravery and selflessness should be commended.”  I’m Paul Janensch.