MEXICO BEACH — Lynn Haven resident Anthony Kelly said he was just “doing what I do for a living.” But Mexico Beach Police Chief Glenn Norris said it was an act of valor.
Between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. on March 9, Sgt. Kelly was driving to his Lynn Haven home following a 12-hour shift with the Mexico Beach Police Department. As he drove he spotted smoke rising from the Abolone Junior Apartment Building in Callaway.
As Kelly watched the smoke he noticed a nearby deputy’s car respond to the scene and he followed.
“I thought it was strange for there to be smoke that time of day,” said Kelly, who has been a law enforcement officer for 28 years. “I responded by virtue of doing what I do for a living.”
As the first two responders at the scene, Kelly and the deputy began going door-to-door, waking up residents as they waited for the fire department to arrive.
The building soon became engulfed in flames and Kelly and the deputy entered the top floor apartments by kicking in doors, allowing them to clear out residents.
“Most people were asleep or just waking up,” Kelly said. “Many of them were seniors.”
By the time the fire department arrived on scene, Kelly and the deputy had evacuated 17 residents from the building. Kelly also ensured the deputy received oxygen after suffering smoke inhalation.
No injuries were reported in the blaze.
“These people were asleep and they could have died very easily in those apartments,” Norris said. “It’s amazing to me that no one was hurt, including the officers.”
Norris recently presented Kelly with a Medal of Valor — the first time the chief has awarded the recognition during his tenure with Mexico Beach. Due to his military background, Norris believes in recognizing the positive achievements of his officers.
“He’s a true hero to me,” Norris said. “He responded in his personal vehicle just to see if he could help and it turned out there was a need for action. He’s a great asset to the department. We’re getting very qualified, experienced officers, which is exactly what we need.
During a recent meeting of the Mexico Beach City Council, Kelly received a standing ovation from his fellow officers as well as members of the community.
“It feels good anytime you’re recognized amongst your peers,” Kelly said. “I’m glad no one got hurt and the people who needed to get out got out.”