McConnell firefighter saves couple

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Abigail Klein
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. (AFNS) --  Casting personal safety aside, one firefighter here rescued a local couple from a potential disaster Jan. 30.

The rescue was performed by Senior Airman Jared Adams, a 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, who was off-duty at the time. While driving past a home in Wichita, Kan., Airman Adams noticed flames erupting from the home's roof.

Airman Adams, along with two other friends who were passengers in the vehicle, sprung into action, calling 9-1-1, while at the same time notifying the residents of the home.

The residents were unaware of the fire, as they had been napping before Airman Adams and his friends knocked on their door.

"I'm naturally calm," Airman Adams said. "I just told them their house was on fire. I said it with a tone: Get out now."

Because of their quick reaction time, Airman Adams and his friends were not only able to save the couple, but they were also able to save the couple's pets despite a thick cloud of smoke accumulating within the house.

Airman Adams' friends said they were impressed by his actions.

"He acted like a fireman," said Rena Baumgartner. "He was yelling, 'get out, get your stuff and get out!'"

Airman Adams, recognized as a hero by the couple and the members of his squadron, said his training as an Air Force firefighter is the reason he was able to spring into action.

"I'm happy for what I did," Airman Adams said. "I would do it for anybody."