SHREVEPORT, La.
A usual Sunday ride around town turned life-altering for a local motorcycle enthusiast, Keyonte Willis. Winding his way back home through Clyde Fant Parkway, Willis sighted a car ablaze. What started as a casual sight soon escalated into a potential catastrophe when Willis discerned an old man ensnared inside the burning vehicle.
Decisive Intervention
In a moment of sheer admirable defiance of fear, Willis didn’t bat an eyelid before springing to rescue. “I completely unhinged the door and saw the old man practically fainted in the car. It was then I switched to a state of protection and did everything within my grasp to free him,” recounted the courageous Willis.
Credit Where It’s Due
The Shreveport Fire Department commended Willis’s brave and significant intervention. Fire Chief Clarence Reese praised Willis, citing divine intervention and readiness of the heart as the keys to Willis’s success. “That individual, unaware of what awaited him that day, was prepared. Preparedness often doesn’t imply having first aid kits or safety equipment at the ready. Instead, it suggests readiness in one’s heart to serve others,” opined Chief Reese.
Every Second Counts
Fire Chief Reese emphasized the vital role of time in life-or-death situations. He explained that even though Shreveport Fire Department’s response times can range from 2 to 6 minutes, each second is essential in a life-threatening predicament. He further accredited Willis’s swift intervention to saving the elderly man’s life. “Him being at the right place at the right time and ready to aid quite possibly saved a life here,” elaborated Reese.
Unwanted Attention and Appreciation
Willis felt overwhelmed by the sudden surge of appreciation and attention. “Being called a hero is a new experience for me. It highlighted that people are actually observing, and I hope I was successful in conveying that love and kindness still persist in Shreveport and Bossier,” Willis humbly expressed. In acknowledgment of his bravery, Reese has planned to commend Willis at the forthcoming City Council meeting.
We need heroes in every society. Not necessarily those who parade around in capes, but individuals like Willis willing to help others in times of need. Willis’s courage and swift action are not only heroic but also an inspiration for the wider community.
Tags: Car Fire, Rescue, Hero, Shreveport, Good Samaritan
