Phoenix Fire honors 4 men who pulled woman from fire
Nov 11, 2013, 7:14 AM | Updated: 7:14 am
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Fire Department will recognize four men Monday for pulling a woman from her burning apartment last month.
Manuel Soto was waiting for a ride to work Oct. 22, when he saw flames rising from an apartment unit near Southern and Central avenues. Patricia Ferrel, 68, was trapped inside.
With assistance from Edward Valenzuela, Anthony Fritz, and Roscoe Young II, the men forced open a metal security door and pulled Ferrel onto a balcony, said Capt. Tony Mure with the Phoenix Fire Department.
Ferrel later died from her injuries, Mure said, but that doesn’t diminish what the men did.
“It’s very rare nowadays that we have anybody that steps into action to help,” said Mure.
To show their appreciation for the men’s courageous actions, firefighters will hold a special recognition ceremony at Fire Station No. 22, the station closest to Ferrel’s apartment complex.
The four men will each receive a citizen’s award in a ceremony that starts at 9 a.m. at the station at 230 E. Roeser Road.
