Heroes Recognized

   Fort Wayne Police recognized officers, civilians, and a few businesses Wednesday at the Fort Wayne Police Department's annual Award Ceremony.
   FOX Fort Wayne spoke with a few of those honored for making a difference in the community.  To hear from them, click on the video.    
   Also, the official recognition from Fort Wayne Police for those featured in our report:

Parkview Hospital: The Northeast side of Fort Wayne had experienced a string of robberies along its E. State Streetbusiness corridor. The Police Department met with the business owners and the neighborhoods associations in this area to assure them that initiatives were put in to place to address the situation. Upon learning of this Parkview Hospital officials wanted to be part of the solution and contacted Fort Wayne Police Chief Rusty York offering to the Department, office space in which to relocate our northeast satellite office along and in the E. State Streetbusiness corridor. An agreement was reached and as a result we now operate our northeast office out of a very professional office complex owned by Parkview Hospital which is located at the intersection of State and Beacon Streets. Parkview Hospital officials not only have stepped up to the plate to become part of the solution but they have again proven to be committed to the neighborhood and are indeed committed to our city as a whole. The Fort Wayne Police Department in recognition of this partnership would like to present this plaque as a token of our appreciation to Parkview Hospital.

Mr. Jon Householder

Mr. Josh Householder

Mr. Lorenzo Smith: On March 14th, 2009, a gentleman, a double amputee, had driven his 1999 Chevy Van onto the lot of the Ricker’s BP Gas Station in the 900 block of E. Coliseum Blvd. when he noticed that his dash lights began to malfunction and light smoke started showing from the engine compartment. Soon after he noticed the smoke flames began to envelope the van. Unable to roll down the power windows or exit the vehicle due to the power locks no longer functioning the gentlemen found himself trapped inside the burning van. Lorenzo Smith was on Coliseum Blvd. with his family when he noticed the van on fire and pulled onto the lot to assist. Jon and Josh Householder were already on the lot of the station when they noticed the van fire. All three men approached the van and attempted to open the doors but could not. Josh Householder was able to break the driver’s side window and unlock the door. All three men assisted the driver out of the van just prior to it being engulfed in flames. The driver escaped injury thanks to the fast actions and quick thinking of the three men who put themselves in extreme danger to help a complete stranger. They are being commended for their actions.