GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. --
A Greenville County woman pulled from her burning home July 25 was able to thank the firefighters who saved her.
Sissy Thomason had been in critical condition at the Augusta Burn Unit, but survived the fire at her home at 12 Meadors Ave. Thomason’s common-law husband, Larry Painter, was also pulled from the flames, but he later died.
The fire consumed the home while the couple slept. Painter’s son, who escaped the fire on his own, told Belmont firefighters where they could find the couple.
"We didn't hear anything. I mean, all I heard was [Larry] saying, ‘Oh my God, I smell smoke,’" said Thomason.
Two of the firefighters, Derek Leverent and Captain Ron Gilliam, got the Medal of Valor for their life-saving efforts that day. It’s the highest honor a fireman can get.
Two other firefighters, Chief Tony Segar and Lt. Chip Dicker, got the Medal of Merit.
"They're heroes. They really are. They saved my life," said Thomason.
The fire scorched Thomason’s lungs and she still has trouble breathing, but is thankful for the firefighters who risked their lives.
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