Sorry for the Long Layoff

You can't stop good people from doing the right thing, but life on the home front has been crazy during the last couple of months, so I have not updated the blog for over two months.  I'm back, watching the net for more inspiring stories of amazing people.  Thanks for checking in during my hiatus, even though you may have had to look back through past stories.  More soon!

mark d

Burning Vehicle, Leaking Fuel... Let's Do This!

Johnny Hewitt and his driving partner prove that when you need to get someone from a burning car, being a body-builder doesn't hurt.  Way to go, guys!

http://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/passerby-pulls-people-from-two-vehicles-after-fiery-highway-crash-1.2041853

John Servati Sacrifices his Life for his Friend

When a tornado had him and his girlfriend trapped in the basement of a collapsing house, Servati's quote captures the spirit of so many people who rescue others:

"I’m going to make sure you’re OK whether I'm OK or not."

Servati did not survive, but before he died he did what he said he would do.  His effort to extricate his friend from the structure was successful.  Awesome!

http://wiat.com/2014/09/30/tornado-rescue-convinces-woman-of-purpose-in-life/

Nameless Man Enters Water to Pull Victim from Shark

Individual sharks typically hit-and-run when attacking swimmers, not staying around for another attack.  The reason this attempted rescue still stands out was that the rescuer had no way of knowing how many sharks there were!  Bravo, sir... Thank you!

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/09/man-killed-in-shark-attack-at-byron-bay

Car-Fire Rescuer Comes Out of Nowhere, Then Disappears

The story at the link below is one of so many that carry a similar theme:  A rescuer appears, risks his or her life to help someone else, and then vanishes, with no thought or desire for recognition.  A mother and two children may owe their lives to one man's willingness to dive into a burning car to get them out before it was too late.  Thank you, sir!

http://www.wfmz.com/news/news-regional-lehighvalley/woman-rescued-from-car-fire-seeks-person-who-saved-her-life/27674068

Hearing Explosion, then calls for help, Michael Campbell Pulls Man Out

At first he was indecisive about entering the home.  It had just experienced a massive explosion!  But when he heard a cry from the house, his response was instantaneous.  It seems the resident now owes his life to Mr. Campbell, who pulled him from second-floor rubble.  My favorite part of this story is so typical of people like Campbell: “I have nieces and nephews, and if they were trapped in a house like this I really hope that someone would have helped them.”

We are glad that you did, and that you got out okay... Thanks!

http://www.journal-news.com/news/news/house-explosion-victim-i-was-just-trying-to-do-the/ngGTY/

Simon Hill Honored for Rescue of Two Boys

Although this happened nearly two years ago, it is great to learn that Mr. Hill's act of courage was noticed at the highest levels in his home country.  The two boys lost their mother, but at least they are alove today thanks to his quick actions in the surf.  Like so many people who have done similar things, Mr. Hill's response: "It was just human nature."  Bravo!

http://www.cornishguardian.co.uk/Bravery-award-man-risked-life-near-Bude/story-21151783-detail/story.html

Jon Meis Seizes Opening, Tackles Gunman

The story at the link below delves very briefly into several incidents of true courage by "regular people".  Meis' story has been all over the news, but a couple of the others were not as heavily covered.  Like so many of the people mentioned in the blog, he seeks no major credit or kudos, just did what needed to be done and moved on with his life.  Thanks Jon!

http://www.npr.org/2014/06/06/319404315/heroes-among-us-when-ordinary-people-become-extraordinary?sc=tw

Mateus Moore Hit by Train After Pushing Girlfriend Clear

Only 16, he and his girlfriend didn't notice the approaching train until it was too late.  By that time, he had only enough time to either get clear himself, or push his girlfriend clear.  He chose the latter, and paid for that choice with his own life.  Mateus, you are a true hero!

http://www.examiner.com/article/teenage-boy-loses-life-saving-girlfriend-pushes-her-off-the-train-tracks

Sam Bordiss and David Cook Honored for Rescue Attempt

Organizations like the Carnegie Hero Fund will tell you that water rescue attempts by untrained or ill-equipped people are among the most dangerous rescues that there are.  It is good to see that when people give it their best effort, they are recognized for it.

Thank you, gentlemen!

http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/local/kingstonnews/11163950.Bravery_award_for_man_who_risked_his_life_to_save_another/

Jamal Abdul-Malik Stabbed to Death Protecting a Friend

This is one of those stories that tears your heart out.  Things can go so wrong, so quickly... and over things that really don't warrant more than turning one's back and walking away.  The pictures show the grief that the rescued woman is going through after being saved by the young man.  Most law enforcement people will tell you that domestic disputes are among the most dangerous environments they ever enter.  Young Jamal paid with his life facing that danger.  Hats off to you, sir!

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/woman-says-young-man-was-killed-protecting-her/

Father Francis van der Lugt's Relief Efforts Cost Him His Life

Typically the links on this blog are to acts of immediate rescue that involve tangible levels of personal risk by civilian rescuers.  This one is a bit of a departure in that van der Lugt's risk was long-term and pervasive.  He probably knew all along that his work would eventually lead to his death, but he kept going.  How many of us could wake up every morning looking death in the face and never let up?  He is a worthy model for any of us.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11234679

Vanessa Hardy Pulled From Burning Apartment by Anonymous Neighbor

When this guy kicked down the door there was considerable risk, since the resulting draft could easily have sent the flames out of control.  He did it anyway.  His comment is so typical of rescuers: "I only did what anyone would have done..."  Well, perhaps sir, but we are glad that you did!

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Bath-Lane-flat-Woman-tells-neighbour-saved-life/story-20883323-detail/story.html

Mindy Tran Throws Herself Under a Car to Save Her Kids

About a gazillion years ago, Barbara Eden used the line "A mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do." in a movie.  The movie was just a fantasy, but this mom did it for real.  The story is at the link below, and in case you're afraid to read it, she is alive, strong, and recovering.

Wow!!  Way to go, Mom!

http://www.wptv.com/news/national/mindy-tran-mom-uses-body-as-speed-bump-to-save-twins-from-rolling-car

Deborah Hughes Faces Down an Entire Mob to Protect One Man

There is nothing more dangerous than a mob of angry people who are out of control, anonymously attacking a lone person.  This retired nurse couldn't let it continue, because "...it wasn't right."  She showed courage, compassion, and leadership all in one act.  Thank you Ms. Hughes!

http://www.wxyz.com/news/region/detroit/retired-nurse-saves-steve-utashs-life-steps-in-when-driver-was-getting-beat?searchType=ALL&compId=328315960

Homeless Man Risks Life to Stop Runaway Car

There are no dates or names attached to this story, although it would be nice to add them if any readers are aware.  It seems that when a woman had a seizure while driving, this man risked his life to warn other drivers, and then got the car stopped before more people were endangered.  Heroism has no social class, but if it did, I would say that those who are in tough straights themselves are probably MORE likely to help others.  Those of us who have something to lose are afraid of getting sued!  Fear not, all states now have "Good Samaritan" laws.  If you are doing the best you know how to do to help and not asking for compensation, victims will have a VERY hard time suing you successfully.

Thank you sir!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carly-reynolds/homeless-man-risked-life_b_4967491.html

John Masterson Looks Down the Barrel of Sawed-Off Shotgun to Save Kids

Another story of amazing courage.  From the sound of it, Mr. Masterson stayed so calm when talking to the young shooter that the child put his weapon on the floor and gave himself up... to an unarmed man!  This is so far beyond what is expected that it defies explanation.  Thank you, Mr. Masterson!

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2014/01/15/22311259-teacher-who-saved-students-in-nm-school-shooting-praised-as-amazing-man