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Four Galva men and a lady were at the right place at the right time, saving a man’s life Saturday afternoon. Sadly, the man lost his home to fire, though.
It had been like any other Saturday for Bob and Diane Johnson of 209 NW First Ave. They were enjoying time sitting in their living room. That changed when Diane’s friend, Yolanda Pickrel, pulled into the Johnson driveway to return their car – she saw smoke coming out of the garage.
Pickrel raced into the home where the Johnsons were, along with 12-year-old grandson Lorenzo Tull, who lives with them.
John Jaco had just stopped at Roger and Debbie Smith’s home directly across the street. The Smiths’ son, Jason, and friend, Brandon Macklin, had just walked into the Smith yard. They’d come from Jason’s home, just around the corner.
The four men noticed the fire and bolted across the street and through the front door. They carried Bob – who uses a scooter due to mobility problems – out of the home. He sat on the ground across the street in the Smiths’ yard while Debbie moved the Johnson car and called 911.
“Bob could not have gotten out,” Diane Johnson said. “His only access with his scooter was through the kitchen door to the garage.”
The group’s quick response and saving of Bob’s life is ironic. Bob’s the longtime Galva Emergency Services Disaster Agency (ESDA) director, helping keep people safe for years.
The Johnson home is a total loss. Carol Dickerson's house, immediately south of Johnsons', lost siding and some windows. It also has attic damage and water damage.
The Johnsons and Dickerson have insurance, Fire Chief Denny Tarleton said.
The State Fire Marshal's Office has visited the site. A report hasn't been announced yet.
Four Galva men and a lady were at the right place at the right time, saving a man’s life Saturday afternoon. Sadly, the man lost his home to fire, though.
It had been like any other Saturday for Bob and Diane Johnson of 209 NW First Ave. They were enjoying time sitting in their living room. That changed when Diane’s friend, Yolanda Pickrel, pulled into the Johnson driveway to return their car – she saw smoke coming out of the garage.
Pickrel raced into the home where the Johnsons were, along with 12-year-old grandson Lorenzo Tull, who lives with them.
John Jaco had just stopped at Roger and Debbie Smith’s home directly across the street. The Smiths’ son, Jason, and friend, Brandon Macklin, had just walked into the Smith yard. They’d come from Jason’s home, just around the corner.
The four men noticed the fire and bolted across the street and through the front door. They carried Bob – who uses a scooter due to mobility problems – out of the home. He sat on the ground across the street in the Smiths’ yard while Debbie moved the Johnson car and called 911.
“Bob could not have gotten out,” Diane Johnson said. “His only access with his scooter was through the kitchen door to the garage.”
The group’s quick response and saving of Bob’s life is ironic. Bob’s the longtime Galva Emergency Services Disaster Agency (ESDA) director, helping keep people safe for years.
The Johnson home is a total loss. Carol Dickerson's house, immediately south of Johnsons', lost siding and some windows. It also has attic damage and water damage.
The Johnsons and Dickerson have insurance, Fire Chief Denny Tarleton said.
The State Fire Marshal's Office has visited the site. A report hasn't been announced yet.
