A Salado man was presented with the Carnegie Hero Medal last week for rescuing a 60-year-old man when his vehicle caught fire after a crash.

According to our news partners at KWTX, Allen Sirois, 20, was working at a welding supply store in Belton when he heard a loud crash. Sirois saw an overturned concrete truck in flames and immediately jumped into action.

Allen grabbed a fire extinguisher from his job and raced outside to the truck. Melvin K. Belcher was trapped inside with smoke quickly filling the truck. Unfortunately, the fire extinguisher did little to help the flames, but Allen persisted.

Carnegie Hero Press Release
Carnegie Hero Press Release
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Allen kicked a hole into the windshield, but still could not reach Belcher. Allen then managed to climb the truck and open the passenger side door. Sirois attempted to pull Belcher out, but was only able to remove him partially from the truck.

Another man also climbed the truck and helped Allen remove Belcher fully. Other good Samaritans helped move Belcher to the ground. Both Belcher and Allen received minor burns.

Allen Sirois was officially named a Carnegie hero in September of 2019, but was presented with a medal last week by U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock. The Carnegie Medal is given to those who exhibit extreme courage and risk their life while attempting to save others.

The awardees or their survivors also receive a financial grant. Since its start in 1904, $41 million has been given in one-time grants, scholarship aid, death benefits, and continuing assistance.

To nominate someone for a Carnegie Hero Medal click here.

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