PHOTO FROM CALVERT COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Prince Frederick, MD – Calvert County Commissioner Mike Hart called it “an incredible story.” The incident, which occurred in March 8, 2016, happened at a residence on Adelina Court in Prince Frederick. Shortly before 7 p.m. that evening the single-story home Vale Thomas shared with his brother, Olandous Brooks, was on fire. Thomas was able to get Brooks and his pet dog out of the burning home safely. Thomas ran back into the house in hopes of retrieving a cell phone to call for help. The fire, however, was too intense so Thomas, despite being badly burned, ran one-half mile to a neighbor’s house to get help. Vale Thomas was subsequently flown to the Washington Burn Center.
According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, the house sustained $55,000 damage. Local fire officials reported the house was deemed a total loss since its structure was compromised.
On May 16, over one year and two months after the incident, the Calvert County Commissioners presented Vale Thomas with a proclamation in recognition of his heroism.
“It’s love that drives that,” declared Hart, who presented Thomas with the proclamation.
“It’s a nice family,” Commissioners’ President Tom Hejl added.
“I thank God for being here today,” said Thomas.
Click here to read the original story on the incident. The story includes a video courtesy of the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com