WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- A National Air and Space Intelligence Center Airman was recognized by a local fire department June 5 for rescuing a man trapped in a house fire in March.
Officials in Jefferson Twp. recognized Staff Sgt. Aaron Roll, a member of NASIC’s Signals Analysis Squadron, and his fiancée Cassidy Carpenter with several heroism awards and honors after the pair likely saved the life of a township resident whose home caught fire March 30.
"It's not every day you're in a situation where someone's life is on the line and you're the only people there,” said Roll. “Cassidy and I are just thankful we were able to react and provide assistance.”
According to Roll, he and Carpenter were driving home near Route 4 when they noticed black smoke across the road. The pair could see fire in the woods and made a U-turn to call 911. While on the phone, Roll said they heard someone screaming for help. Roll gave the phone to Cassidy and ran towards the house after noticing a man still halfway in the burning building. Roll pulled the man from the building to the car, where Carpenter was waiting. Together, they stabilized the man and waited for emergency responders to arrive.
According to the official report, the man was treated at the scene and taken to a local hospital for treatment of shock, burns and smoke inhalation. The report also notes that the cause of the fire was believed to be related to a portable kerosene heater but is still under investigation.
“Staff Sgt. Roll is being extremely humble about the whole situation, but I think it deserves consideration for a medal”, said Lt. Col. David Van Pelt, Roll’s commander. “His actions reflect the kind of Airman we have here at NASIC, both at work and in the community, displaying the Air Force core values of service before self, integrity first, and excellence in all we do.”