The McComb school board honored two employees who sprang into action to help save five young children who were at home alone when their house caught fire.
Superintendent Therese Palmertree praised “the heroes in our midst” — school maintenance employees Fred Reese and Thomas Tobias — and said their actions were examples of selfless bravery. Both received medals, presented by school board president Maurice Chester, and recognition from school trustees and administrators at Tuesday’s school board meeting.
Reese and Tobias were at work at Kennedy Elementary School around 3 p.m. on July 10 when Tobias noticed smoke coming from the house at 119 S. Live Oak St. Tobias saw a young boy crying on the front porch, and he and Reese ran to the house, where the boy had gone back inside.
Tobias knew the situation was dire and, without hesitation, went inside to get the children — ages 3, 4, 5, 6 and 11 — and brought them safely outdoors. Reese assisted and called for help from the fire department.
Tobias and Reese remained on the scene with the children until fire and rescue units arrived, and they both said no adult was at the house at the time of the fire.
Reese said smoke was billowing out of the house when Tobias brought out the frightened children, none of whom was physically injured.
“We commend your bravery for saving five children who are alive today,” Chester told the two men on Tuesday.
They received a standing ovation from those who attended the meeting, but both shook their heads when called “heroes.” They believe they were simply at the right place at the right time.
