The fire department has released the name of the victim who died in Tuesday's early morning duplex fire at 603 Valley Drive.
Emporia Fire Chief Jack Taylor said the victim who was found dead on the second floor of the duplex is Michael Leith, 38. The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday.
The house was occupied by five people, two of whom were trapped inside, according to a press release by the Emporia Fire Department.
Upon arrival, firefighters saw flames coming from a second-story window of the house, which was occupied by Auspision LLC, a provider of residential and day service affiliated with Hetlinger Developmental Services.
Emporia Police Officers Kelly Davis and Tanner Monhollon rescued one person from the second floor. A third officer, Kevin Shireman, entered the building to help clear it. Three people had already escaped from the house. The fifth person was found dead on the second floor after firefighters entered the building to conduct a search and extinguish the fire.
Prior to emergency crews arriving, an Auspision worker, Robert Houston, was on duty when the fire broke out. He called 911 and then got as many people out of the burning home as he could.
netebarr (anonymous) says...
Way 2 go Robert. I previously worked with Mr. Houston. He was a truly caring individual who loves people. Congratulations on your heroic measures. hold your head up, you did good. and the gazette failed to recognize the "entire" team of rescuers too many to mention. There were more than 3, and they failed to mention Mr. Houston until now. Everyone on the responding team deserves great appreciation , anyone of the team would've rescued those terrified victims. From the Emporia PD, to all the firemen and all the EMS crew. what a great team. You all deserve a huge Thank- You and God Bless. Annette Barr
January 16, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CRYSTALJO (anonymous) says...
I am so proud of you Robby! I know what you went threw is going to be one of the hardest things you will have to deal with, but to give credit where credit is due, Robby you are a HERO!!!!! You helped save those men and the one Heather told me about would not have made it without your help! My prayers are with you as you get better from your injuries, for the families and friends of Micheal, and his roomates as they mourn the loss of their friend. Love You Robby!!! You are a Hero and your sister-in-law is SO PROUD!!!!
January 17, 2008 at 6:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hartford (anonymous) says...
Yes they are hero's, but lets not forget a man lost his life.
Maybe we can praise them somewhere else.
I feel for the family of Michael Leith.
January 17, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )