Two Men Recognized for Heroism in Rustic Village Apartment Fire

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) — Fire Department Operations Chief Rick Boatwright was on his way to work when he saw black smoke billowing over Highway 58.

The Rustic Village Apartment Complex was on fire, and emergency services had yet to arrive.

But a civilian, Jimmy Franklin, was on the scene, trying to help resident Elaine Russel escape the blaze.

“Jimmy had already gotten Miss Russel off of the balcony, and she came up and met me as I got out off my truck, and I saw the extent of injuries she had, so I had her stay where she was at, and I looked at Jimmy and I said ‘is there anybody still inside… Me and Jimmy went back in, started knocking on doors — actually had to kick several of them open,” said Boatwright.

“I put all that fear behind me and did what I knew to do and what I was supposed to do,” said Franklin.

Now, the men are being honored for their effort to save lives.

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly presented them with awards recognizing the heroism they displayed in the face of great danger.

“These men stepped up and ran into the burning building risking their lives to ensure that every man woman and child made it out safely. Their acts of bravery are a shining example of the extraordinary ways Chattanoogans care for each other in times of crisis,” said Mayor Kelly.

Sadly, Elaine Russel succumbed to her injuries one week later.

But the Chattanooga Fire Department is ensuring that the efforts of these two men do not do unnoticed.