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Patrick Gonzalez, Marine Veteran With Prosthetic Legs, Fights House Fire Before Crew Arrives (VIDEO)

Posted: 04/23/2012 3:38 pm

Patrick Gonzalez

When a fire started in his Ramona, Calif., garage, Vietnam veteran Patrick Gonzalez didn't hesitate to take on the flames himself.

And he wasn't deterred by the fact that he had to put on his two prosthetic legs first, Ramona Patch reports.

"I put my legs on, and I put my clothes on and come out," Gonzalez said. "Then I went to the side of the house where there was a hose that I could get to, and I started spraying the roof until the fire department got here."

His wife and dog made it out of the house as well, and their daughter, a senior in high school, had already left for school. With nobody injured, the only losses were material.

"That was my shop, I mean, I had just about every power tool you can think of in there, and my motorcycle," Gonzalez told Patch.

But even with everyone safe, answering the 'what's next' question may still take time. As for immediate sleeping arrangements, Gonzalez told Patch he had "no idea" where they would go.

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When a fire started in his Ramona, Calif., garage, Vietnam veteran Patrick Gonzalez didn't hesitate to take on the flames himself. And he wasn't deterred by the fact that he had to put on his two ...
When a fire started in his Ramona, Calif., garage, Vietnam veteran Patrick Gonzalez didn't hesitate to take on the flames himself. And he wasn't deterred by the fact that he had to put on his two ...
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fitzbeerman
The Truth hurts and I am painfully honest
08:50 PM on 04/24/2012
There are Old Marines but NO Ex-Marines. Semper Fi.
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thetxsndn
Man Plans. God laughs.
09:11 PM on 04/24/2012
AMEN, F'd & F'd, Fitzbeerman ! Once a Marine, ALWAYS a Marine.
08:44 PM on 04/24/2012
this is when a city should come together and build him a new garage, remember he is a marine
( you never stop being one) i salute you sir and my prayers are with you
gunnyday
What, me worry.
03:36 PM on 04/24/2012
Semper Fi. Marine. This Gunny salutes you.
01:45 PM on 04/24/2012
Troop - job well done. You protected hooch and family. Hope all works out!
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GOODDOC1
"civil war" is an oxymoron
01:03 PM on 04/24/2012
I hope the Red Cross or the Salvation Army helps them. I bet one or both will. If I find out they did, I'll make a donation to them. We have to care for our wounded warriors!
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jgamble28
ya never know.
11:29 AM on 04/24/2012
I give that vet a lot of credit. Hope he has insurance.
07:38 AM on 04/24/2012
Tough as nails! Good for him. I hope he found a place to stay the night. :)
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01:02 PM on 04/24/2012
it was just his garage he can stay in the house still :)
fitzbeerman
The Truth hurts and I am painfully honest
08:49 PM on 04/24/2012
Maybe your house will be next, then what will you say?