Timothy McCarthy Earns Carnegie Medal For Heroic Act, Vows To Become Firefighter

NBC Action News reports that one man earned a Carnegie Medal for an act of heroism in his community. The life-changing act has since encouraged him to pursue a more selfless line of work.

In Overland Park, Kansas, Timothy McCarthy saved a life when he pulled a driver from a fiery car crash in 2010.

He didn't think twice when he pulled the crash victim from the burning car, however once McCarthy's friends and fellow community members commented on his quick response in an emergency situation, he had an idea. He told NBC:

"Like a light bulb came on I'm like 'hey, I think being a firefighter is... your calling.' You know I think this has pointed me in the right direction."

Soon, he started studying up to become a firefighter. But bills and other constraints kept him from realizing his dream -- until he received his Carnegie Medal in the mail.

WATCH:

A Carnegie Medal is awarded to those that have performed heroic acts in civilian life. During its 106-year history, over 80,000 people have been nominated, yet only 9,000 people have been selected.

Comments

[Aldyth]

09:47 AM on 04/11/2011

In a day when real heroes are thin on the ground, here is one you'd like your kids to look up to as a role model.

[NelsonC]

08:34 PM on 04/10/2011

S*ck it, Gotham City!
Kansas has its own Batman.

[spytheweb]

08:14 PM on 04/10/2011

How about a crime fighter?

[DMSmith]

08:11 PM on 04/10/2011

Congratulations, Timothy. And thank you.
I wish you well in your move towards becoming a firefighter. We need more like you.
Your son has a father he will be proud of - that's best of all!

[BryanEdwards]

07:54 PM on 04/10/2011

way to go, Tim

[jbdrs]

06:11 PM on 04/10/2011

Somebody needs to tell this socialist that he needs to join the private sector and create jobs instead of expecting handouts from the taxpayer.

[Rasputin66]

07:59 PM on 04/10/2011

Excellent satire!

[edgarcaycedoc]

05:51 PM on 04/10/2011

I hope he makes it. This incident proves his willingness to risk self to save others. Congrats on your Medal.