GRAND VALLEY – Earlier this year, Alan Mackie faced flames to save a neighbour’s life.
When he saw his elderly neighbour’s house was on fire, he called 911.
The dispatcher told him not to enter the building, but Mackie could not sit back and watch the house burn with his neighbour inside.
So he kicked in the front door and ran through smoke, dodging flames, to reach the senior in his bedroom.
Mackie escorted his neighbour safely outside, by which time paramedics had arrived.
The fire took place in Grand Valley and paramedics, firefighters and police from Grand Valley and Dufferin attended the scene.
A Dufferin OPP press release states the senior was taken to hospital with serious injuries, and was lucky to survive the fire, thanks to “the heroic actions of a neighbour.”
On June 27, Mackie was presented with a Citation of Heroism award from the Town of Grand Valley, “in recognition of outstanding bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of imminent danger.”
Grand Valley Mayor Steve Soloman, right, presents Mackie a heroism certificate from the town. Submitted photo
