Home-fire heroes deserve round of applause

In this age of pervasive sex and violence in popular culture, of divorce and decay of the family, of social problems and parental irresponsibility, of declining ethical standards and morality, it’s refreshing to see people doing the right thing. That was true in the case of the recent home fire on Ash Street. Doing the right thing meant racing into flames to rescue neighbors and loved ones. It meant risking lives to save others.

Such tremendous acts of courage and heroism restore one’s faith in humanity. Flames destroyed the rental home and its contents, but not before the four children’s father, Steven Lane, their grandfather, Jim Smith, and a neighbor, Shane Hubble, all braved flames and smoke to get the children to safety. The worst hurt, the children’s grandfather, was taken to Emanuel Hospital in Portland with burns on his back, shoulder, arms, face and head. He is now home from the hospital. He did not require skin grafts, as originally was expected, but still has plenty of doctoring to do before he is out of the woods.

The trio of heroes’ efforts show what can happen when good citizenship and personal responsibility are  taken to a higher level.

Here’s a salute to the help family, friends and the community have shown. But more help is needed. To assist the family in recovery, paying hospital bills and other related costs, donation jars have been placed at the Spruce Street Market, Willow Grocery, J.D.’s Market and Hought’s 24 Flavors.

The heroes didn’t rescue the children to get their names in the newspaper or to see their images flicker across the TV screen. They did it because it was the right thing to do. They leave a legacy to the next generation of courage and unselfish behavior in times of crisis. The community applauds the men for a job well done and for providing this small bright spot of hope for humankind.