A Galesburg resident received recognition Wednesday for his recent heroic actions in extinguishing a kitchen fire in his neighbor’s apartment.
The Galesburg Fire Department presented Joseph Lammert with a Civic Excellence Award on Wednesday afternoon before guests and on-duty firefighters at Central Fire Station. Thanks to functioning smoke detectors, the availability of a fire extinguisher, and Lamnert’s quick response, the fire was contained, preventing potentially devastating consequences for both property and lives.
On Dec. 17 at 5:31 p.m., the Galesburg Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 1351 W. Carl Sandburg Drive. Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke coming from the building, with residents evacuating.
Battalion Chief Dewey Brackettt proceeded to the second floor via the exterior stairway and encountered Lammert, who informed him that he had extinguished the fire using his personal fire extinguisher. Fire crews then ventilated the apartment and confirmed that the fire had not spread beyond the kitchen.
Investigators learned that neighbors were alerted by the activated smoke detectors in the apartment. Finding the apartment door locked and apparently unoccupied, the neighbors went outside and seeing flames in the kitchen window, called 911.
It was then that the occupants of the apartment returned home and were able to unlock the front door. Lammert then took immediate action to enter the apartment and extinguish the fire. His swift action prevented significant fire, water, and smoke damage to the Hollow Tree Apartment Complex. Fire damage was contained to the kitchen, and there was smoke damage throughout the apartment.
“The combination of the working smoke detector, the readily available fire extinguisher, and Mr. Lammert’s decisive action had a tremendous impact on the outcome of this incident,” said Fire Chief Hovind. “We are incredibly proud to honor and thank him today.”
Hovind tells WGIL, “It’s not very often where a citizen gets a chance to step in and make an significant impact like Mr. Lammert. Any delay in action on that building could have made the outcome much worse.”
For more information on the Galesburg Fire Department and American Red Cross Smoke Alarm Program, contact Capt. Ben Caruana at (309) 345-3756 or visit the city website.
