Three Huntington men honored by city for saving family from fire

HUNTINGTON, Ind. (WANE) - The Jacquay family spent Thursday helping the local fire department honor their neighbors for saving their lives.

Huntington fire officials said they responded to a house fire at 622 E. High Street, Huntington, the night of July 23. Before crews could arrive, neighbors Mark Malies, Robin Hale and Rufus McKee stepped in to help save the family that was still inside during the fire.

"I didn't have time to ask myself, what am I'm going to do, I just reacted," said Mark Malies, who used to serve as a volunteer firefighter.

Malies, Hale and McKee broke out windows, entered the house while it was on fire and grabbed the children and Tim Jacquay's wife and led them to safety. Hale said he had to step in because he would want someone to do the same for his family.

"You don't want to see anybody get hurt," he said. "When we all got here, it was all silent in there. So, you think of your own family and your own kids."

Tim Jacquay worked third shift and received a call that night saying his house was on fire. When he arrived home, his family was out of the house safely. He said his oldest daughter wasn't home at the time.

"It was a Sunday night, Monday morning, at two o'clock in the morning, who is up at two o'clock in the morning on Sunday night, or Monday morning, except for angels," Tim said.

Huntington Mayor Brooks Fetters honored the men Thursday with a Certificate of Commendation honoring the men for their heroic actions.

Since the fire, Tim has thanked the community for the outpour of support and donations they have received.

There will be a benefit for the Jacquay family this Sunday at the American Legion Post 85, in Huntington, at noon.