The city of Vandalia honored Collins at Monday’s council meeting with the Medal of Valor award, citing his heroic actions.
Collins said he was on his way home from a split shift and stopped to look at cars at Beau Townsend Ford when he saw the smoke.
Collins called 911 and attempted to notify all occupants that the building was on fire and stayed on the phone with dispatchers until help arrived.
He was able to get two residents out as the fire grew at a rapid pace. He entered the fire-filled structure at a great personal risk and without a thought of his own safety, according to Follick.
Collins saved the two residents but likely saved fire crews, too, Follick said. Collins prevented firefighters from being injured or killed, the chief said, because firefighters did not have to find the residents at a time when the fire was rapidly spreading.
Firefighters pinpointed the flames but were ordered to evacuate the structure because it was at risk of collapsing. When crews exited, the roof collapsed.
Collins has worked for the city a total of 23 years. He started part-time at the age of 16.
Collins is a 1982 graduate of Vandalia-Butler High School and lives in Medway with his wife of 31 years, Paula. They have two daughters, Michelle and Amanda, a son-in-law, Scott and a grandson, William.
He was once a volunteer firefighter for the city of Vandalia right after high school for five years.
When asked if he feels like he made a difference, he said: “After talking with the chief … I guess I do think I made a difference,” said Collins. “That night, I did not.”
“The response from the fire department was quick, and they did the best they could with the conditions and the situation that they came to.”
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