Local hero honored

PARIS — John Ames Jr., of Paris, believes he was just doing "what anyone would do," when he stopped on his way to go hunting and went to check on a fire last Thanksgiving morning.

"My first thought was 'that guy's got some pretty bright lights,' but when I got closer, I realized it was a fire," said Ames. "I pulled in the driveway, laid on my horn, banged on the door and went inside."  When he did, he found a family of three just waking up and a whole wall of the house engulfed in flames.

"One person had just woken up and was trying to put the fire out, and between him and me, we got everyone out of there.  I did what I did, but anyone would," he concluded.

Nonetheless, the Paris Police and Fire Departments are glad it was Ames who was driving by that morning. They surprised him by recognizing his efforts last Saturday night, presenting him with the Individual Act of Heroism award and a plaque commemorating the event.

Officer Tim Gamache of Paris was the first one to arrive on the scene that morning, and found the house gone, but the family of three that lived there safe.

"There's no doubt in my mind that John saved three lives that day, one being an infant baby," said Gamache. "He easily could have just called the fire department, but he pounded on the door and he saved their lives."

It's not in Ames' personality to take too much credit though.  He describes himself as "quiet and laid-back," and was humble in accepting recognition.

"They're good people," he said of the family he helped. "I would do it again, but anyone would."

Also honored at the event were Chief Brad Frost and Assistant Chief William Buffington of Paris Fire Department.  They believed they were only there to honor Ames, but were surprised with Outstanding Community Service awards for their 108 years of combined service. 

"Between the two of them, they've done a lot for the community," says Fire Captain Ben Conant, also of Paris. "They wouldn't have done anything so we had to honor them behind their backs."

Photo:

HERO THANKED — John Ames holds the plaque that he received from the Paris Police and Fire Departments.  The plaque reads, "This award of community heroism is presented this 5th of February, 2011 to John C. Ames Jr. For his unselfish acts of bravery on November 25, 2010.  Your actions alone that morning saved the lives of an entire family. The Paris Police and Fire Department is honored to present you the 'Individual Act of Heroism' Award."

William Buffington and Brad Frost Photo:

ABOUT TIME — Chief Brad Frost and Assistant Chief William Buffington of the Paris Fire Department received Outstanding Community Service Awards on Saturday night for their 108 combined years of work.