Jorge Ragghianti Received the Ohio Fire Service Citizen Award for Saving Lives

On Wednesday, April 26th, Jorge Ragghianti received the 2023 Ohio Fire Service Citizen Award from the State Fire Council at a ceremony in Columbus. Mr. Ragghianti was nominated for this award by the Lakewood Fire Department for his heroism in the lifesaving rescue of two children trapped in a burning vehicle in Lakewood.

Pictured are Lakewood Fire Marshal Ryan Fairbanks, Fire Chief Tim Dunphy, Jorge Ragghianti, and Mayor George at the ceremony.

On Sunday, September 18, 2022, a car caught fire in the parking lot of RISE Dispensary on Detroit Avenue. Mr. Ragghianti was working as a contract security guard at the facility when he noticed smoke coming from the car and sprang into action.  He heard a child yelling from the car and acted quickly, running to the car to break out the window. Ragghianti was able to pull the child from the back seat and move him safely away from the burning vehicle. That is when he learned of a second child still trapped in the car.  He rushed back to the car that was filled with smoke and flames, broke another window and was miraculously able to rescue the second child from the car. Within seconds of pulling the child to safety, the car became completely engulfed in flames.

Mr. Ragghianti rescued both children by himself with no regard for his personal safety, even sustaining minor injuries in the rescue. Within minutes, first responders were on the scene to put out the flames and provide medical care to those involved. His fast action and selfless heroism saved the lives of these two children.

Watch this incredible video of Mr. Ragghianti saving the children:

Congratulations Mr. Ragghianti!  You are a true hero and Lakewood is grateful for your incredible act of service to save lives.