The following was written by RDS student worker Devon Smith.
Oftentimes when I need to look away from the computer screen during work, I find myself reading through A New Century of Heroes, a book about the Carnegie Hero Fund’s history and stories of the heroes it seeks to honor. One of the stories that immediately jumped off the page to me is the story of Sanford Harling III.
The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission Sanford reported:
“Harling III died attempting to rescue Sanford Harling, Jr., from burning, Norristown, Pennsylvania, Feb. 5, 2016. Sanford Harling, Jr., 58, who had undergone recent hip surgery and required the use of a walker, was on the second floor of his family’s duplex unit after fire broke out in the first-floor living room. He alerted family members, including his son, 12-year-old Sanford III, who then fled the structure. The fire grew and spread blocking the stairs to the first floor, trapping Sanford’s father on the second story
“Indicating to those outside the rear of the house that he was returning for his father, Sanford re-entered the home through the back door. Meanwhile, his father had left the house by dropping from a second-story window onto grass on the other side of the house. He sustained significant injury, which required hospitalization. Sanford did not return outside. When conditions permitted, firefighters entered the house and found Sanford on the first floor. He had died of smoke inhalation and thermal burns.”
Sanford’s story is one of unconditional love and bravery. Sanford and his dad would wear matching outfits to church on Sundays, which further shows the love Sanford had in his heart for his family.
Reading through his story is an experience that reminds us to hold our loved ones close and never take them for granted.