A former New York firefighter who died saving his fiancée and young nephews from a burning apartment building late last month was awarded the highest honor an individual can receive from the state.
John D. Heller, who had worked part-time at the Oneonta Fire Department from October 2003 and August 2009, was posthumously given the Senate Liberty Medal for pulling Amber Roe, his fiancée, and his four nephews from a fire at his home Dec. 29. In a resolution on the Senate floor Tuesday, Sen. James Seward praised Heller's actions, WKTV-TV reports.
RELATED:
- Ex-FF Dies Saving Fiancée, Boys from NY Apartment Fire
- Arson Arrest Made in Death of Ex-NY Firefighter
- Accused NY Arsonist in Fire that Killed Ex-FF Faces Hearing
“John's final act here on earth was one of bravery, valor, and heroism, and love of others," he said. "John's heroic actions embody everything that the Senate created the Liberty Medal of Honor for in the first place."
Go to the New York state Senate's website to read the complete resolution.
Oneonta police arrested Terrence Truitt, 34, earlier this month in connection with the incident. He was charged with first-degree arson and is being held without bail.
