Presenting the plaque to Tammy York at the Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department were Bea Harvill, Lt. Garry Kirk, Teresa Kirk, Chief C.R. Harris, Ms. York, James Kirk, who was one of the first firemen to the scene, Chris Brogdon, Lt. Anne Joel, and Lt. Jody Clift, representing Hamilton County Emergency Services. Click to enlarge.
photo by Michael Locke
The Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department presented a plaque Friday to Mandy the cat, whose bravery saved a life during a recent house fire.
On Oct. 24, Tammy York was watching movies and had fallen asleep. Amy Maxwell, of the Hamilton County Emergency Services, explained that Ms. York had candles burning and the wax had begun to drip on the carpet that started a fire in the den.
Ms. York said, “I remember the cat, Mandy, making strange noises and tugging on my nightgown. I never woke up. Then she pounced on my chest and slapped in the face with her paws. I immediately woke up and began choking due to the heavy smoke in my house! Myself and Mandy were able to escape unharmed.”
"We have never been on a scene where a cat has actually saved someone's life," said Hwy. 58 Fire Department Chief C.R. Harris. He said that firefighters arrived within minutes and were able to save the house. Damage was estimated at $20,000.
Ms. York commended Highway 58 V.F.D. for their hard work and wonderful customer service. "I thank each and every one of them," she said. "They saved my life and saved my house."
"She's my guardian angel," says Tammy York about her cat, Mandy, who saved her life during a house fire.
photo by Michael Locke