Have you ever thought about what you would do if you passed a house that was ablaze in fire? Not sure? What if you saw some small children outside who in fear ran back inside to what they thought was the only safe place they knew? You would probably chase after them, right? But would you have the courage to go back in four times? As related by Liz Sawyer in the Minneapolis Star Tribune (7-22-15), Donnell Gibson did just that. His heroic efforts saved the lives of ten people that morning before authorities arrived.
Afterwards, Gibson, a 29-year-old African American father of four was presented a Meritorious Service Award by the St. Paul (MN) Fire Department, the highest award given by them. Reflecting back on that hot and windy July day, Gibson said it felt like his clothes were melting off as he braved heat and smoke. In the process, he checked out several levels of the home, finding some of the family still asleep. The fire chief said that without Gibson’s effort, surely several, if not all would have died.
That Gibson would do such a courageous act did not come as any surprise to those who knew him. His friends said that this is not the only day he has saved lives in one way or another. He has demonstrated a heart for others in all his endeavors, holding multiple jobs as a prevention specialist at a school, emergency medical technician, and at a local recreation center. He has also taken the initial steps to set up a non-profit to help steer inner city youth in the right direction.
A day after the fire that leveled the house to the ground, Gibson returned to the scene with his young son. Using it as a teaching moment, he showed him what a man is supposed to do—he protects and he is brave. He also has shown the rest of us something else on a broader level—one more example of Love Lived Large. Thank you Donnell Gibson.