Editorials
Heroes are alive, well — and living right here with us
Highlands Today
Published: February 22, 2012
It seems like everyone seeks heroes in many different places. We often make our favorite athletes into heroes, and even our favorite actors and entertainers.Published: February 22, 2012
While we look for these folks, we shouldn't overlook our local heroes who risk their lives for us every day.
Two of them rushed into a burning house last month and pulled two elderly men out of the flames and smoke.
Highlands County Sheriff's Deputy Donivan Cooper and Sebring Police Officer Joshua Copeland arrived on the scene of an apartment fire at 4 a.m. Jan. 23. They were told that two men were inside, one possibly blind.
The law enforcement officers rushed into the smoke-filled structure and found the two men, huddled on the floor, "despondent and wanting to die," according to a media release.
The officers ran outside to clear the smoke from their lungs and to take a big breath before returning into harm's way.
They removed both men, who were taken to the hospital. One, Wesley Cady, 70, later died from his injuries.
But at the time of the rescue, he was alive and the other man was seriously injured.
Cooper was honored with a valor award from Sheriff Susan Benton. SPD officer Copeland will be honored by the city for his actions, as will Cooper.
These two fine men deserve all the praise and honors they are receiving.
* * * * *
Too often, people are critical of law enforcement without considering what we ask of them.
It's possible to find fault with just about everyone over something, if that's what someone chooses to do.
We believe that actions like this remind us that the people we entrust with our lives go above and beyond the call more than we realize.
It's nice knowing that two fine law enforcement professionals are on the job and protecting our communities.
The fact is, there are a lot more out there who would do the same without giving it a second thought.
It's terrible that a life was lost because of that fire and another man was seriously injured.
At least all that could have been done to save them was attempted and two local cops gave it their all to save lives.
That's heroism at its finest.