Citizen of the Week: José Fernando Espinoza’s bravery is ‘truly inspiring’

Published 8:00 am Friday, November 15, 2024

Whitfield County Fire Chief Paul Patterson said 15-year-old José Fernando Espinoza did something “amazing” and “extraordinary.”

At Monday’s meeting of the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners, Patterson said on Oct. 19, shortly after midnight, firefighters were sent to a house on Ricky Drive where flames had rapidly overtaken the home.

Most of the family managed to escape. But Espinoza’s grandmother, bedridden and in hospice care, was unable to get out, and his grandfather chose to stay with her. Realizing they were still inside, Espinoza “reentered the burning home through a window and, pushing through thick smoke and flames,” according to Patterson, pulled both of his grandparents to safety.

“(His) bravery and quick thinking in such a dangerous situation are truly inspiring,” said Patterson. “He acted with the same courage we expect from our trained firefighters, and at just 15, his actions saved lives.”

Patterson presented Espinoza with the fire department’s Meritorious Civilian Award for Bravery.

For his unhesitating bravery and his efforts to save his grandparents, the Dalton Daily Citizen names José Fernando Espinoza Citizen of the Week.