July 29, 2010

33 Citizens honored for heroism

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By KSEE News

Story Published: Sep 17, 2008 at 11:18 PM EDT

Story Updated: Sep 17, 2008 at 11:18 PM EDT

The Fresno Madera Police Chiefs' Association honored 33 heroes Wednesday morning at Fresno City Hall. Jorge Mejia was one of those honored after he saved two lives during a fiery collision near Selma. The crash happened June 11, 2008. A big rig pulled into oncoming traffic at Nebraska and Bethel, smashing head on into a Toyota pickup. 17 Year old Adrian Lopez was driving the pickup. His best friend Ryan Golbek was in the passenger seat. Mejia saw the accident happen, and saw both vehicles burst into flames. Lopez was already out of the car, but with a broken femur couldn't get out of the way. Golbek was pinned inside the vehicle. He didn't stop to think. He pulled Golbek out of the pickup and carried both boys to safety. Moments later both vehicles exploded.

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Three months after the accident, it's still difficult for Ryan's dad to talk about and the man who saved the boys without becoming emotional. But it wasn't until today's citizens award ceremony that Ryan and Adrian were actually able to meet Jorge Mejia--the man who saved their lives.

This story is just one that played over and over at City Hall. In all, 33 people were honored for acts of bravery, quick thinking and heroism. From Larry Gurule of fresno who rescued a woman from a car that had crashed into his swimming pool... To Dana Epps and Amanda Manuszak who chased down and helped police capture a dangerous suspect. 33 ordinary citizens who never intended to become heroes.

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