County honors hero firefighters who rescued families from apartment fire

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — It was the rescue video touched so many people – firefighters rush to a raging apartment fire where families were literally throwing their children to safety.

Helmet cam captured one firefighter, Scott Stroup, catching a toddler thrown by her father into his arms.

Tuesday, dozens of DeKalb County firefighters were honored by the county for their heroic efforts at the Jan. 3 fire at the Avondale Forest Apartments.

Captain Jovan Carter was among those honored during the county commission meeting and the group was given a proclamation. Officials even declared this as “DeKalb County Fire Rescue Day.”

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Carter was first up the ladder to the burning third floor apartment balcony that cold morning. He was handed the other twin infant, wrapped in a blanket and carried the baby down to safety.

Carter told Channel 2's Steve Gehlbach he wasn't looking for any recognition or attention for just doing his job. He tried to say out of the spotlight, but says it's good to be recognized.

“I really appreciate someone saying good job,” Carter said. “A lot of times we go to back-to-back calls. Sometimes it’s good to reflect on the importance of what we’re doing. So good for us and the citizens.”

A total of eight kids were rescued that morning from the apartments and many more adults.

Cox Media Group