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Subscribe to RSSA 74-year-old Pennsylvania woman is crediting her 14-year-old neighbor with saving her from a burning house -- by using a rickety ladder.
"I'm grateful to be alive," said Charlene McMasters from her hospital bed on Wednesday. "It was quite an ordeal."
New Castle Assistant Fire Chief David Joseph commended Justin Ritchie's quick thinking, calling the hero "humble and quiet."
"Even when he was telling me about it, he was shaken and rattled," Joseph said, adding, "The more I listened to the story unfold, the better it got."
Attempts by msnbc.com to contact Ritchie were unsuccessful Wednesday.
Joseph said the incident happened about 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, when a fire broke out on the first floor of McMasters' two-story home in western Pennsylvania. Fire officials still do not know what caused the blaze that destroyed her home.
"I don't know what it was, but I remember something woke me up," McMasters said. "I noticed smoke and I rushed to get my handbag and I went to the window and screamed and screamed."
Ritchie told Joseph he woke up to his dog barking and then heard a woman shouting.
"He went out and saw this woman hanging out of the window... It was Charlene and her house was on fire," Joseph said.
Ritchie spotted an old wooden ladder that had been abandoned next to McMasters' house and made a dash to the house. The teen set it against the burning structure, warning McMasters that her escape route was unstable and rickety, Joseph said.
McMasters said she didn't care. She took two steps down and the ladder broke.
"I came crashing down and fell a long way," she said.
McMasters said she suffered broken ribs from the 10-foot fall, but that was OK. She was being released from the hospital Wednesday afternoon and planned to spend Thanksgiving Day with her children at their homes in Pennsylvania.
"I got a walker, a good therapy session and I will heal," McMasters said.
"I can't thank this young man enough. I don't know what would have happened had he not come to my rescue."
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Well done, lad. Well done.
WONDERFUL!! He got involved and he saved a life!!!
I just don't what these young kids are thinking. In my day, teenagers would have....
There's a hero everywhere, just waiting to respond. Good job, kiddo!
About time ! Something positive. WTG
I'm glad all came out okay. I know the fall was no fun, but it beats the socks off being burned. Many thanks to all who helped.
Quick thinking on the kids part. Too bad about the ladder. :)
Just when you think all news is bad, you realize that there are heros in the world and this young man, humble and caring, is one of the best! Thank God for you son.
He overcame his own natural fear. He got involved. He saved a life. I'd say the young man deserves a medal and a good college scholarship. We need more of his kind on this planet.
Today's mentality: She should sue the kid for failing to provide a safe and reliable escape by using a known rickety ladder. She should sue the ladder maker because it was unsafe and broken. They should sue the former land owners who abandoned the next door property for leaving and unsafe ladder. The kid should sue the lady for falling on him. The city should sue them both for disturbing the peace. The kid should be investigated for arson. The woman should be relegated to a seniors home. The woman should be investigated for insurance fraud. The woman should sue the kid for causing broken bones.
This is a great story. Keep your ridiculous thoughts to yourself.
Obviously you're mentality, the only negative post on the story, I bet your parents are proud. BTW, your screen name is a dead giveaway for the right wing jack off you are.
Aren't you just a bundle of joy all wrapped up with a big, cheery bow... :-/
Why don't you go and crawl back under your rock if you don't have anything intelligent to say.
that's what my in-laws would do...4sure...nevermind being safe & healthy...and I'm so glad they are coming for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow
Actually I was thinking the same thing as liberalnewssucks . I would give my kid a pat on the back for helping the old lady out while reminding him of the cynical nature of humanity.
The negative is actually the norm these days, drano as much as it sucks.
I really meant it in jest. Lighten up and have a smoke. No punn intended.
I see people without a sense of humor are at the mercy of those of us who have one.
I don't think liberal's comment should be collapsed. He was just saying what some people would do. Seeing as "Today's mentality" was a dead give away.
I think it is what the dictionary calls SARCASM! Get a life people. He was making fun of an occasion that is rarely heard these days mad much less noticeable by everyone suing everyone else. I thought it was hilarious and I'm far from a liberal, right-wing jerk off!
In regards to the article...stories like this one should be posted in every school around the country!
Great job by the young man and the pooch
Now THIS is something to be Thankful for. Good job young sir.
A feel good story, just in time for Thanksgiving. See? Not all teenagers are apathetic souls.
A nice change from the political BS. Thanks to the kid for showing there are still some decent people around. I was starting to lose faith.
Have a nice Thanksgiving to all! Amid all the current events, there is still much to be thankful for!
Hoorah!
A good story. Something we could use more of. Congratulations Justin.
We don't see enough of these type of stories, but they are out there. We need to celebrate the people, heroes in every day life! You are a hero Justin.
I think the news agencies have their priorities wrong, 95% of their air time or new space is taken up by murder, mayhem, politics, disasters, war, rumors of wars... or which celebrity has gone to court or violated probation, yada, yada.
I want to see balanced news reporting... Would love to say 50% encouraging, inspirational, uplifting stories... but I know that is just the dreamer in me, How about start with 25%. Which broadcasting company or news agency will pick up that challenge. If they do, I am going to support them. We will see!
For all we know, those two steps she took before the ladder broke might have made the difference between broken ribs and a broken neck if she had jumped out the window.
Well done, Son! Your actions are going to be remembered with much gratitude for a very long time by many people!
Glad to read something like this. These are the kind of teens we want to represent the new generation!
Well done, young man!
A person who see's what needs to be done, and does it.......run for congress in a few years, kid.
Justin your not only a Hero today but for the rest of your life and the lady you saved will always be grateful to you I'm sure. When all of this excitment settles down and later on in your life you will realise just how special this day was for you, I also have saved a persons life and when I remember that it just makes me feel great inside to have been able to help another person out when they needed it most.
I wish you a wonderful future and hope that life treats you well.
Always nice to see good stories like this one. Good job, Justin.
Now that's what a hero really is! Unlike the paid professionals that just do their job competently or people that do stupid things and manage to live.
Excellent!!!!!
Key to the city- for this young man. WTG - Your family should be very proud (a lot of strangers are) Well done - wish you were my neighbor.
Wow, a teenager who didn't have really bad rap music being pumped from his iPod while playing video games really exists? This kid should get some scholarship money for college from the state to encourage this sense of community. Good on ya. Most kids his age would be thinking how they could break in this ladies house and rob her. I guess there are some good ones around. And for that I am thankful.