By: Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
Jeremiah Crabaugh insists he is no hero and did what anybody would have done back on Sept. 8 on his way home from work. Crawford County Sheriff Scott Kent and his deputies feel otherwise.
“I just think it’s kind of a nice quality you don’t see much in people anymore,” Kent said. “It’s nice to be able to recognize him for it.”
In front of several family members and friends that included Crawbaugh’s parents Deb and Garry, Scott and his deputies recognized Crabaugh at the Crawford County Justice Center on Friday morning for his actions in waking the owners of a barn that had caught fire and helping them save what animals they could.
Crabaugh, who works a second shift, was on his way home from Shelby when he saw the fire’s flames from the roadway. He explained what happened and how he feels about all the recognition.
“I just saw the flames from the road. I thought it was the guy’s house that was burning. So once I pulled in I banged on the door, went around to the back and made sure there wasn’t anybody in the barn. I knew there wasn’t anybody in the barn so I went back to the house to get them woke up,” Crabaugh said. “All of this? I don’t think it’s deserving by any means. I mean I’m just another guy, you know.”
The residents at the site of the fire were Bryce Pfeliderer and his wife Kelsie. Although they lost six horses in the fire at least one horse and some calves were turned loose by Pfleiderer and Crabaugh allowing them to escape. The barn was completely destroyed by the blaze and heat from the fire melted siding on the house where the Pfleiderer’s had been sleeping.
“I don’t think I did anything special,” Crabaugh said following applause from those gathered in the lobby of the Crawford County Justice Center. “It’s something anybody should do for another human. I’m definitely not a hero.”
Neither Crabaugh’s actions that night nor his attitude about incident came as a surprise to his parents. While Crabaugh tried to downplay his actions, both of his parents were obviously proud of their 33-year-old son,
“I think it’s the first time he was in that way (situation),” Deb Crabaugh said. “He said, ‘I don’t know why everybody is making such a big deal of it, It’s what everybody is supposed to do.’”
His dad, Garry, added, “He’s a pretty humble guy.”
The recognition and ceremony were a complete surprise to Crabaugh. In addition to his parents and Sheriff’s Office personnel, Colonel Crawford Superintendent Todd Martin who grew up in Sulphur Springs with the Crabaughs was also present.
Below is a copy of the statement of recognition read to Crabaugh by Sheriff Scott Kent.
On Sunday evening, September 8th, 2013, at 11:35 p.m., a local resident had left his employment in Shelby and was traveling home on St. Rt. 96.
This individual, Jeremiah Crabaugh, saw flames at a residence on the north side of St. Rt. 96. A barn, which was adjacent from the home, was fully engulfed in flames. Realizing the dangerous situation at hand, Mr. Crabaugh turned into the drive, and went up to the house, knocking on the doors and windows in an attempt to wake the owners inside.
The resident owner, Bryce Pfleiderer and his wife Kelsie, were awakened to the knocking and yelling outside and were able to speak to Mr. Crabaugh. Who informed them of the fire. Both Bryce and Good Samaritan, Mr. Crabaugh, attempted to enter the barn and release the animals inside the burning barn. Several animals, horses and calves were turned loose and escaped, however six (6) horses perished in the flames.
Several township fire departments were called to the scene to fight the fire, however the barn was completely destroyed.
Sheriff Scott Kent and his office would like to award Jeremiah Crabaugh a certificate of appreciation. Mr. Crabaugh disregarded his own safety and helped out a family in need. Your heroic duty is worthy of recognition.