Benjamin M. Hawkins helped to rescue Mary Jo Tester from burning, Kalkaska, Michigan, February 22, 2017. Tester, 50, a paraplegic, was in her home’s living room when fire broke out and began to spread in that room. Tester called for help. Hawkins, 35, deputy sheriff, and a police sergeant responded to the home after learning of the fire. Seeing flames through the living room window and black smoke issuing from the eaves, Hawkins and the police sergeant entered the home’s living room. The police sergeant crawled on his belly about 15 feet across the living room to Tester, and Hawkins followed him into the room. As the police sergeant grasped Tester by the ankles and crawled backward, dragging her, Hawkins grasped the sergeant’s pant leg and pulled and guided the sergeant, Tester in tow, to the door. Hawkins and the police sergeant lifted Tester and carried her from the home. Tester, who suffered smoke inhalation and severe burns, died five days later. Hawkins and the police sergeant were each treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation. They recovered. 88965-10032
88965 – 10032
88965-10032