The Galesburg Fire Department presented Joseph Lamnert with a Civic Excellence Award today, recognizing his heroic actions in extinguishing a kitchen fire in his neighbor’s apartment. Thanks to functioning smoke detectors, the availability of a fire extinguisher, and Mr. Lamnert’s quick response, the fire was contained, preventing potentially devastating consequences for both property and lives.
On December 17, 2024, at 5:31 p.m., the Galesburg Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 1351 W. Carl Sandburg Drive. All 11 on-duty fire personnel responded. Battalion Chief Dewey Brackett arrived on scene and observed smoke coming from the building, with residents evacuating.
Chief Brackett proceeded to the second floor via the exterior stairway and encountered Mr. Lamnert, who informed him that he had extinguished the fire using his personal fire extinguisher. Fire crews then ventilated the apartment and confirmed that the fire had not spread beyond the kitchen.
Investigators learned that neighbors were alerted by the activated smoke detectors in the apartment. Finding the apartment door locked and apparently unoccupied, the neighbors went outside and seeing flames in the kitchen window, called 911.
It was then that the occupants of the apartment returned home and were able to unlock the front door. Lamnert then took immediate action to enter the apartment and extinguish the fire. His swift action prevented significant fire, water, and smoke damage to the Hollow Tree Apartment Complex. Fire damage was contained to the kitchen, and there was smoke damage throughout the apartment.
“The combination of the working smoke detector, the readily available fire extinguisher, and Mr. Lamnert’s decisive action had a tremendous impact on the outcome of this incident,” said Fire Chief Hovind. “We are incredibly proud to honor and thank him today.”
For more information on the Galesburg Fire Department and American Red Cross Smoke Alarm Program, please contact Capt. Ben Caruana at 309-345-3756 or visit the city website.
***Courtesy of the Galesburg Fire Department***
