Firefighter saves elderly couple at McConnell

Published Feb. 2, 2011
By Senior Airman Abigail Klein
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Casting personal safety aside, one McConnell firefighter rescued a local elderly couple from a potential disaster Jan. 30, 2011.

The rescue was performed by Senior Airman Jared Adams, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, who was off duty at the time. While driving by a home on South Greenwich Road in Wichita, Kan., Airman Adams noticed flames at least 6 feet high erupting from its roof.

Without thinking, Airman Adams, and 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 elderly couple living in the house were unaware of the fire, which was caused by a broken fireplace, 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, they were also able to save the couple's pets despite a thick cloud of smoke rapidly accumulating within the house.

Airman Adams' friends were impressed by his actions.

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

Despite being recognized as a hero by the couple and his squadron, Airman Adams hasn't let the attention go to his head. He credits his training as an Air Force firefighter as 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."