Firefighters are some of the bravest first-responders in the world. Seriously, it takes a certain type of person to consciously make the decision to run into a burning building knowing that there is the potential for them to never make it out alive again. They are a group of tough people, and occasionally their job calls on them to improvise in order to save lives.
A video has surfaced of a firefighter taking part in one such improvised lifesaving action. During a dangerous fire in an apartment building just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, firefighters were rushing to try and get people safely evacuated from the building as the fire roared.
It took a combined effort from 45 firefighters in order to get the blaze under control and make sure everyone got out of the building okay. As people were clamoring to escape the flames, one parent who was stuck on a third story balcony with their child decided to take a risk in order to make sure their kid survived. As you see, firefighter Scott Stroup stepped up underneath the balcony, and the parent dropped the baby to be caught by Stroup. It was a touchdown grab, and both the child and their parent are now safe.
They had their work cut out for them during this late night blaze, it wasn't all catching and kissing babies.
"We had fire burning on one end of the building and residents on the other end didn't have a clue," said DeKalb County Fire Rescue Captain Eric Jackson. "So we were doing multiple things. We were catching babies; we were kicking in doors, letting folks know they needed to get out."
The cause of the fire has not been identified at this time, but the investigation is still ongoing. Luckily no lives were lost. Because of the firefighters and their quick work only 12 people were injured, and most of those only had to be treated for smoke inhalation.
Share if you know a firefighter who routinely puts their life on the line for the safety and protection of others.