Bravery under fire.On the evening of November 15, 2002, Alex McKay, 84, was in the side porch porch Roofed structure, usually open at front and sides, projecting from the face of a building and used to protect an entrance. If colonnaded, it may be called a portico. of his home in Lake Wales, Florida Lake Wales is a city in Polk County, Florida, United States. The population was 10,194 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 11,802 [1]. The center of population of Florida is located in Lake Wales [2]. , when a gas explosion blew the roof off the house. A section of the roof blocked the porch, trapping trapping, most broadly, the use of mechanical or deceptive devices to capture, kill, or injure animals. It may be applied to the practice of using birdlime to capture birds, lobster pots to trap lobsters, and seines to catch fish. McKay inside. Mechanic Jimmie Acreman, who was working nearby, heard the explosion and ran to the scene. When he realized that McKay was trapped, he climbed onto the debris that was blocking the porch. Jumping through an opening to the porch floor, he extinguished ex·tin·guish tr.v. ex·tin·guished, ex·tin·guish·ing, ex·tin·guish·es 1. To put out (a fire, for example); quench. 2. To put an end to (hopes, for example); destroy. See Synonyms at abolish. 3. the flames on McKay's clothing, then lifted the elderly homeowner to his feet and hoisted him to the waiting hands of other rescuers. Acreman then climbed through the opening in the rubble to safety. The house was destroyed by the explosion and fire. Sadly, McKay died the next day from the extensive and severe burns he had suffered. Acreman's hands were also burned, but soon healed heal v. healed, heal·ing, heals v.tr. 1. To restore to health or soundness; cure. See Synonyms at cure. 2. To set right; repair: healed the rift between us. . In March of this year he, too, received a Carnegie Medal and grant in recognition of his brave attempt to save the unfortunate homeowner. |
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