NEOSHO --- "Seemed like a typical night, you know, working bookend," says Newton County Corrections Officer Jason Denno. On March 8, 2013 around 8:15 p.m., he thought it was just another Friday evening at work. But when he stepped outside with Neosho Police Officer John Miller, he couldn't believe his eyes.
"Noticed there was a fire across the street.I called my tower guard to see if he would advise Central that there was a fire. Something told me I needed to go over there so Officer Miller and I went over there."
They saw a shed burning on North Wood Street, but flames had also quickly spread to a nearby apartment. "I wouldn't really say that we're trained to rush into house fires," says Denno. "I mean, we make entry, but nothing like that really."
The two officers kicked in the door and rescued a sleeping woman inside.Miraculously, no one was injured. "We should all be grateful that we have people that are willing to put themselves on the line like this for the rest of our safety," says Chief David McCracken, Neosho Police Department.
Neosho Police Officials and Newton County Sheriffs Deputies honored the two men with "The Lifesaving Award." McCracken says, "It's one of those things that makes you proud that they rise to their training and put themselves in jeopardy to save a life.
And Denno says he'd do it all over again if he had to. "I'm Jason," he expains, "I still feel like I'm me. But it's neat to be recognized."
Neosho Fire Officials say the cause of the fire is still under investigation. They are asking anyone with any information to contact the State Fire Marshall's Office.
