Hero Spotlight: A Life Saved in Less Than 4 Minutes

When every second counts, heroes rise.

This week, a life was saved thanks to the courage, training, and teamwork of first responders from the Menlo and Summerville Fire Departments and local law enforcement. Assistant Chief Matthew Willingham, who also serves as the preacher at Menlo First Baptist Church, shared the powerful story.

Dispatched to a structure fire with reports of a wheelchair-bound victim trapped inside, Willingham was the first fully geared firefighter on scene. With fire conditions worsening by the second, a family member directed him to the closest entrance. With zero visibility and no time to spare, he entered the home, found the victim calling for help, slid him to the floor, and began dragging him to safety.

Firefighter Joseph Eleam quickly entered from the opposite side and assisted Willingham in bringing the victim to the doorway. Lieutenant Jason Morris and several law enforcement officers helped complete the rescue. Together, they had the victim safely outside in under four minutes—mere moments before the fire would have made rescue impossible.

Several firefighters from Summerville Fire began providing First Aid as soon as the victim was removed from the structure.

Willingham reflected, “It all happened so fast… I am just blessed that we got there when we did… I am thankful the Lord gave me the ability to go in, find the victim and remove him from the structure.”

This rescue was truly a team effort between fire and law enforcement.

About the team:

• Matthew Willingham has served with Menlo Fire for 16 years and is now Assistant Chief.
• Joseph Eleam has been a firefighter for 4 years.
• Jason Morris has served for 13 years and is currently a Lieutenant.

One life was saved because of their bravery, training, and faith. This is what true service looks like.