Community Corner

Joe Spencer Amongst Those Honored With Burn Institute Spirit of Courage Award

The Burn Institute and El Cajon Police Dept. are recognizing Joe's participation in the rescue of a disabled woman from a burning van.

Next Thursday, May 24, the Burn Institute will recognize "the positive people that make a difference in the lives of others as the organization celebrates 10 area heroes," including local , at its 40th Annual Spirit of Courage Awards Banquet. Joe is also being recognized on Friday, May 18, by the El Cajon Police Department, and will be given the Citizen's Life Saving Award.

The two organizations are recognizing Joe's participation in the from a burning van late in 2011.

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"This was nothing more than being at the right place at the right time and I was just one of several who assisted in this rescue," said Spencer.

"I was just glad that the woman was able to get out safely and nobody else was hurt." 

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Each year, the Burn Institute pays tribute to individuals in the community who have risked their lives in an effort to save another from burn injury or death by fire. Over the past four decades, nearly 650 local heroes, including civilians, fire service and law enforcement professionals, have been honored with the highly-coveted award.

In response to the title of "hero," Spencer remains humble and refers to a sick child he recently wrote a blog about, .

"As for being called a 'hero,' I don't feel that is correct.  To me a hero is the 8 year old boy I posted a blog about who is battling what very well may be terminal cancer.  That is a hero.  I just played a small part in helping another person."

Burn Institute Executive Director/CEO James Floros thinks differently.

“These courageous individuals put their own safety aside to help someone they have never met,” said Floros. “They are heroes in the truest sense.”

The following are this year’s recipients:

  • Officer Joseph Heightman (California Highway Patrol)
  • Joe Spencer (Lakeside resident)
  • Kevin Calhoun (Escondido Resident)
  • Gerald Jana (Escondido worker)
  • Moses Mullen (Spring Valley Resident)
  • Nicholas Coates (U.S. Border Patrol)
  • Zirivan Mohammad (U.S. Border Patrol)
  • Thomas Ward (U.S. Border Patrol)
  • Charles Oakey (U.S. Border Patrol)
  • Jason Lacy (U.S. Border Patrol)

and hear Joe give his own account of the story in a


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