PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
MAYORAL PROCLAMATION … Zoey Kelley of West Unity was honored with a proclamation by Bryan mayor Carrie Schlade as “Zoey Kelley Heroic Day” on Tuesday, October 14, for her heroic actions in saving a resident in a fire on October 6. Pictured from left: Bryan Fire Chief Doug Pool, Leland Kelley, Zoey Kelley, Bryan councilman Richard Hupe, Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade, Patti Rockey, Williams County Recorder, and Karen Gallagher, Williams County Common Pleas, Juvenile and Probate Judge.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
Zoey Kelley admitted it was her own human instincts that really kicked in when she had rescued a man from a recent fire.
The 26-year-old West Unity resident and a mother of two sons, was working as a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) for Majestic Care in Bryan when she discovered smoke coming from a nearby house on 1104 Alpine Drive on Monday, October 6.
“I’ve been a STNA worker at Majestic Care for about six years now,” said Kelley. “I seen smoke and then I heard the word ‘Help.’ That normal human instinct kicked in, so I jumped the fence after I heard someone say, ‘Help me,’ and I ran over as fast as I could.”
Not only had she battled through the smoke, but eventually found Glenn Ogle, who resided at the Alpine Drive address, lying on the ramp in front of the house.
“Once I found him (Ogle), I then yelled to a friend (Donna Richter) who was leaving the building (Majestic Care) and called 911,” said Kelley.
Ogle fortunately survived the fire and currently resides at Majestic Care. Kelley appreciated the support from the Bryan community, along with Mayor Carrie Schlade, Bryan Fire Chief Doug Pool, and the Bryan Fire Department.
“I used all of my nursing skills here at Majestic Care and also at nursing school,” said Kelley, who is preparing to take her nursing board exam.
“I’m so grateful to all of my instructors and the nurses that I work with here. Everything they taught me just kicked in at that moment.”
On Tuesday, October 14, she was honored with a proclamation from Schlade.“I think it’s extra heroic that she ran into a home with no gear, no oxygen mask, and was just taking care of Glenn,” said Schlade. “We’re so appreciative.”
In reading the proclamation, Schlade said Kelley courageously entered the danger zone, located Mr. Ogle, and dragged him to safety and which would save his life.
“Zoey’s calm judgment, rapid response, and selfless bravery reflect the highest ideals of community service, compassion, and civic duty,” pointed out Schlade. “Her actions are a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have in the face of a crisis.”
Schlade then proclaimed October 14, “Zoey Kelley Day” in honor of her heroics.
“We are very proud of Zoey’s (Kelley) actions,” said Schlade. “For someone to go in without any protective gear, any mask to protect them from the smoke, and to rescue a resident, as well as checking the other side of the duplex. It just takes a special amount of courage, and we’re so grateful for her.”
Pool also commended Kelley for her heroics in rescuing Ogle from the fire, along with a couple of rescued cats from a neighboring duplex, one of whom had already taken a lot of smoke.
“What we learned was that Mr. Ogle had been dragged away from the fire,” said the fire chief.
“After I started asking, they said everybody came from Majestic Care. So, I came over here to talk to them, and they knew exactly who I was talking about, Zoey Kelley and Donna Richter had both went over.
“Zoey (Kelley) was the first one to see it, saw the smoke, jumped the fence, and eventually ran into the smoke to pull him (Ogle) out.”
Kelley was surrounded by family and friends who were in attendance for the mayoral proclamation.
“I’m thankful for our community,” she said. I’m thankful for the firefighters for everything they do, because where we would be today in this world without them. I’m glad God put me in the right place at the right time.”