Ravenna residents hailed for 'lifesaving' efforts after apartment fire
Two people who helped their neighbors as a fire ravaged their Hazen Avenue apartment building were recognized for their lifesaving efforts.
Brittanie Larson and Christopher Taylor were given Lifesaving Awards from the Ravenna Police Department at a recent Ravenna City Council meeting. Capt. Jake Smallfield said both Larson and Taylor were instrumental in saving lives when the fire took place in the apartment where both lived.
Larson said she was inside her apartment March 17 when smoke began to fill it. The woman took action and immediately began notifying residents, including helping a disabled amputee exit an apartment on the bottom floor of the building.
"Her courageous effort exemplifies the highest standard of humanity," Smallfield said. "Without hesitation, Brittanie risked her safety to ensure the evacuation of the apartment complex's residents ... The city of Ravenna is fortunate to have citizens like Brittanie, who make Ravenna a safer place to live, work and visit."
Smallfield said Taylor called 9-1-1 and also warned neighbors of the danger and helped them leave the building.
"Despite the smoke-filled apartment, Christopher remained resolute in his determination to ensure the safety of others," he said. "Through his unwavering bravery and quick thinking, Christopher's timely intervention prevented what could have been a catastrophic loss of life."
Both were the first recipients of gold Chief's Pins.
A Ravenna woman who lived in the apartment building has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to two dozen felony charges stemming from the fire. The Record-Courier is not identifying the woman because police and fire officials have cited a mental health crisis.
The Ravenna Fire Department razed the building after a second fire broke out at the same structure hours later, rendering the structure unstable, Fire Chief Mark Chapple said.
More: Apartment building demolition Ravenna apartment demolition Photos
Ravenna City Councilwoman Amy Michael also recognized Nathan Firak, a student at Ravenna High School, for picking up trash as he walks home from school each day. The student received a certificate and a gift card to McDonald's.
"You help make Ravenna a better place by living here and contributing," Michael told the student.
Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Ravenna residents hailed for 'lifesaving' efforts after apartment fire
