captstanm1
02-09-2003, 10:38 AM
ST PETERSBURG TIMES--Hillsborough County
County hero earns praise from president
A firefighter wins the Public Officer Medal of Valor for pulling children from a fiery car last year.
By BRADY DENNIS, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 8, 2003
TAMPA -- Even now, Sean VanAtter doesn't like being called a hero. But when the president of the United States wants to shake your hand, sometimes it's easier to just accept the label.
The 32-year-old Hillsborough firefighter pulled three children from a burning car on Interstate 275 in June. One of them, a 4-year-old boy, died.
Without VanAtter's help, a 2-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl almost certainly would have met the same fate.
Next Friday, in honor of his efforts, VanAtter will receive the Public Officer Medal of Valor from George W. Bush in the White House. The award is given to as few as 10 people each year.
"I'm pretty floored, man," VanAtter said Friday. "I was just doing my job. But I think it's a great honor to meet the president. I'm thrilled."
VanAtter earned his hero status on May 31, when he and Aaron Madir, a trucker, pulled the children and their parents from their burning car. A nurse, who never gave her name, also helped the burned children.
Jeremia Lacagnina, who loved cars and dinosaurs, died in the wreck.
Hillsborough fire rescue Chief William Nesmith nominated VanAtter for the award. He said Friday that he couldn't think of a better man to receive it.
"The Fire Department is a like a family atmosphere, and he's always right in the middle of things," said Nesmith, who will also go to Washington. "He's a fun-loving guy. He's an excellent individual and a top-notch employee."
VanAtter said he thought it was a "bad joke" when U.S. Department of Justice officials called last week saying they wanted to fly him and his wife up to receive the award.
But after being convinced it wasn't a joke, VanAtter said he was ecstatic over meeting Bush, who he calls "my hero."
"George W., man, he rocks," he said. "I like him. He's good people."
So the hero will get his trip to Washington. And his moment with the president. And a Valentine's Day in the nation's capital with his wife, temporarily free from their two young children.
Even so, he carries a hint of sadness.
"It's the chance of a lifetime," VanAtter said. "(But) I'm sorry I have to meet the president this way. My heart still goes out to that family."
He never even got their last name.
County hero earns praise from president
A firefighter wins the Public Officer Medal of Valor for pulling children from a fiery car last year.
By BRADY DENNIS, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 8, 2003
TAMPA -- Even now, Sean VanAtter doesn't like being called a hero. But when the president of the United States wants to shake your hand, sometimes it's easier to just accept the label.
The 32-year-old Hillsborough firefighter pulled three children from a burning car on Interstate 275 in June. One of them, a 4-year-old boy, died.
Without VanAtter's help, a 2-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl almost certainly would have met the same fate.
Next Friday, in honor of his efforts, VanAtter will receive the Public Officer Medal of Valor from George W. Bush in the White House. The award is given to as few as 10 people each year.
"I'm pretty floored, man," VanAtter said Friday. "I was just doing my job. But I think it's a great honor to meet the president. I'm thrilled."
VanAtter earned his hero status on May 31, when he and Aaron Madir, a trucker, pulled the children and their parents from their burning car. A nurse, who never gave her name, also helped the burned children.
Jeremia Lacagnina, who loved cars and dinosaurs, died in the wreck.
Hillsborough fire rescue Chief William Nesmith nominated VanAtter for the award. He said Friday that he couldn't think of a better man to receive it.
"The Fire Department is a like a family atmosphere, and he's always right in the middle of things," said Nesmith, who will also go to Washington. "He's a fun-loving guy. He's an excellent individual and a top-notch employee."
VanAtter said he thought it was a "bad joke" when U.S. Department of Justice officials called last week saying they wanted to fly him and his wife up to receive the award.
But after being convinced it wasn't a joke, VanAtter said he was ecstatic over meeting Bush, who he calls "my hero."
"George W., man, he rocks," he said. "I like him. He's good people."
So the hero will get his trip to Washington. And his moment with the president. And a Valentine's Day in the nation's capital with his wife, temporarily free from their two young children.
Even so, he carries a hint of sadness.
"It's the chance of a lifetime," VanAtter said. "(But) I'm sorry I have to meet the president this way. My heart still goes out to that family."
He never even got their last name.