The actions of Erath County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chris Hill made all the difference in the world to Erath County residents Jimmie and Carolyn Green, who were saved from their burning home by the deputy.
Sgt. Hill was presented with a Lifesaving Award by Sheriff Matt Coates Thursday, April 13 in a room filled with the Green family, media and colleagues all waiting to congratulate Hill.
“This is not an everyday award. In law enforcement we don’t get to give this out very often,” Coates said. “Other than this agency I’ve seen one in 26 years. Here, this will be our third in two years. This is a big deal and speaks to what a great team of men and women we have and we truly appreciate it.”
Coates detailed the actions of Sgt. Hill. On March 23, around 5 a.m. Sgt. Hill went to investigate what he believed to be a controlled burn in the 1000 block of County Road 279.
When Sgt. Hill arrived, he saw a residential structure on fire, fully engulfed in flames. He immediately radioed for fire department assistance.
Sgt. Hill saw a car parked in the garage of the home and began looking for any residents who might be inside the house.
When Sgt. Hill approached a window on the backside of the house, he heard someone calling for help and observed a male and female attempting to escape the fire through the window.
“With no regard for his own safety, Sgt. Hill climbed in through the window and assisted the elderly couple with getting out of the burning home,” Coates said. Sgt. Hill then brought the couple to his patrol vehicle and called for Emergency Medical Services.
“Sergeant Hill’s courageous actions saved the lives of the two residents and reflect great credit on himself and the Erath County Sheriff’s Office,” Coates said.
The sheriff said what the award also does for those at the office is give them a chance to reflect on what they would do in the same situation.
“I would just like to speak on behalf of the family. We are just so grateful. We believe that God placed you there at that exact moment in time. Had you not been there, my mom and dad would not have been here today,” one of Green’s sons said to Sgt. Hill. “We are so thankful for you.”
As the family made their way to take photos with Sgt. Hill, hugs were exchanged and he simply said, “It’s good to see you guys again.”
“Any time you happen to becoming our way, if you’ll stop by, we will pour an icecold Dr Pepper for you,” Jimmie Green said.
Though Coates joked about Sgt. Hill making a 15-minute speech, he said.
“Like Mr. Green said, it was just the right time, right place, and good things happened,” Sgt. Hill said.
Speaking to Mr. and Mrs. Green after the ceremony, the couple chronicled the events of the morning.
Waking up abruptly, Mrs. Green said the room was filled with smoke.
“I said we have got to get out of here,” she said.
As the couple tried to escape, there were flames and black smoke in one door way and a window was blocked in the other direction.
“As we went to the window, I knew there was no way we could get out by ourselves,” she said. “It was too high.”
Looking down, that is when she saw Sgt. Hill.
“He pulled us out, and saved us,” she said.
Along with nine years with the Erath County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Hill has 10 years experience as a certified firefighter.
“It doesn’t take long for houses to go up, especially old ones. I knew we had to get out in a hurry,” Sgt. Hill said.
Though the story has a sweet ending, the Green’s lost their home of 60 years with the fire which was started by a heating lamp for chickens.
“It was my childhood home. It’s gone, but we are OK,” she said.
Anyone wishing to help out the couple, a Go Fund me page has been started. Simply search for Help Rebuild Jimmie and Carolyn’s Home.
“Mema and Grandpa Sam’s house was more than just a home, it was a gathering place for the entire family for the last 60+ years. Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many children that Mema has babysat over the years all grew up in this home. Mema and Grandpa Sam worked hard over the course of their marriage to build their home, it can never be replaced but we do plan to rebuild a small version of it on the property. Your donations will help us do this by covering the cost of materials needed,” organizer of the page, Jenny Watts wrote.
Currently, the couple, who are in their 80s, are set up in a temporary home while helping their family clean up the old home.