Big Country man recognized with award for act of heroism
BRECKENRIDGE, Texas - A Big Country man received official recognition Friday for his acts of heroism in rescuing his neighbor from a house fire in Breckenridge, Texas. Isbel Jimenez was awarded the Carnegie Medal on the steps of the Stephens County Courthouse Friday afternoon.
Jimenez, a 46-year-old pipe fitter, saved Jeannette Marshall from her burning home on September 16, 2015.
Jimenez saw flames issuing from Marshall's mobile home Wednesday evening and immediately responded to the scene, where he learned from others that Marshall was still inside. Flames were blocking the mobile home's front door, so Jimenez propped a board against the side of the house and used it as a step to access the bathroom window.
Through intense heat and smoke that severely restricted visibility, Jimenez searched for Marshall, finding her unresponsive on the floor of the bathroom. Jimenez handed Marshall out to two police officers who had just responded to the scene. Then Jimenez escaped to safety through the window. Both Marshall and Jimenez received hospital treatment for smoke inhalation. Both made a full recovery.
Breckenridge Fire Chief Calvin Chaney was the one to present the award to Isbel, who now resides in Winters. The Carnegie Medal is meant to recognize persons who perform acts of heroism in civilian life in the United States and Canada.
Those who are selected for recognition by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission are awarded the Carganie Medal, and they, or their survivors, become eligible for financial considerations, including one-time grants, scholarship aid, death benefits, and continuing assistance.
