Correctional Officer Honored For Helping Five Escape Fire
Correctional Officer Honored For Helping Five Escape Fire
POSTED: 3:28 pm EST February 24, 2006
CRANSTON, R.I. -- The Rhode Island Department of Corrections honored some of its best recently, including Jay Johansen. On his way home from work on Jan. 4, Johansen ran into a fire, helping five people get out. "I just happened to be the guy around," he said.
"That day was pretty scary. I don't remember a whole lot. Since I've heard the 911 tape I realize a lot more about what happened. It just doesn't seem like I was in there that long until I hear the tape." A proud family said Johansen's action fits his character.
"It's nice to see him get recognized for something because every day, he's always trying to help everybody around him," Johansen’s daughter said. Johansen said he still gets goose bumps when he thinks about it or sees a picture of the fire.
"I drive by it a lot because it's in the area. It kind of hits home a little bit. It's in the back of my head. I'm just glad everybody's doing all right," he said. And everybody he saved that night is, thanks to Johansen.
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