Allison Carmean, Age 17 (Continued)
Allison Carmean: On February 23, 2000, a series of brush fires blazed through Lehigh Acres, Florida destroying several homes and scorching hundreds of acres in a heavily populated area of the community. Knowing that her sister’s best friend lived in the area of the flames, Allison rushed to their home. She found a neighbor and her spouse trying desperately to prevent the flames from engulfing their home. Allison grabbed a hose and started watering down the house.
After several minutes, she and her neighbor went upstairs and started grabbing pictures and family animals and brought them to safety. After loading the animals in the car, Allison and her neighbor noticed flames striking a nearby house. She quickly drove there and began banging on the doors and windows. The noise aroused the occupants and made them aware of the immediate dangers. Allison quickly brought them to safety.
Due to her heroic act of responsibility and bravery, Allison was honored with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Do The Right Thing Award.
(Lehigh Acres, Florida: 2000)
Written by Trish Routte, Lee County Sheriff’s Office