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Man who saved toddler from fire honored
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Jerry Estes was honored Monday by Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins and Smitville Fire Chief Charlie Parker for saving a child from a burning home.

 

A man who climbed through a window into a burning home to save the life of a 23-month-old child was honored for his heroic actions by the Smithville Police Department and the Smithville Fire Department Monday night.

 

Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins and Fire Chief Charlie Parker presented a plaque to Jerry Estes, who went into the burning residence on south Mountain Street in December to save the life of the toddler. While presenting the award, Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins said Estes’ act was a “selfless act of bravery.”

 

“On behalf of the Smithville Police and Smithville Fire Departments we want to present you this plaque,” Collins said. “Bravery is the quality of spirit that enables one to face danger or pain without showing fear. The Smithville Police and Fire Departments wish to acknowledge Mr. Jerry Estes for his selfless act of bravery on December 4, 2016.”

 

The incident took place on Dec. 4, when a fire took the lives of Jeremy Shelton, 27, 36-year-old Crystal Fults, and four-year-old Caylix Johnson. Estes was reportedly passing by when he saw the fire and stopped his vehicle. He also found 26-year-old Heather Standridge outside the home shouting that her children were still inside. Estes reportedly entered the blazing structure through a window and brought 23-month-old Brantley Johnson out alive.

 

“I don’t think I did anything special,” Estes said at the presentation. “I just did what anybody else would have done.”