Neighbor Honored Posthumously After Saving Family In Brooklyn Park Fire

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's been almost a year since a fire killed a church pastor's wife, their son and a neighbor who was trying to rescue them. That brave neighbor is now being honored.

Amy Yensi has more.

Two families were brought together in tragedy. On February 10, 2015, an early morning fire consumed a Brooklyn Park home. When it was over, three people had died: a mother, her son and a neighbor who tried to save them.

"What my brother did, risking his life for a family he didn't know," said Patty Rickman, the victim's sister. "As the anniversary comes near, it just brings everything back."

Chris Rickman ran inside the burning home of Pastor Samuel Sinnah to save the pastor's wife, Letitia and their son Sundima. None of the three made it out.

"He did not count his life but wanted to help someone," said Pastor Samuel Simah.

Nearly a year later, the Rickman family is starting a scholarship fund for a student to attend the Maven Academy in Annapolis in honor of Chris' bravery and sacrifice. In a couple of weeks, they're hosting a fundraiser.

"We just want to make sure that people remember him," said his father, Jack Rickman.

The Rickman family says it's tough to look across the street. The neighbor's house has not been rebuilt; they say it's a daily reminder of how they lost their son and brother.

"I'll never have him back in my life. It's very hard," said his mother, Mary Rickman.

Rickman is survived by his two sons. A grandchild he'll never meet will arrive in June.

Rickman would have turned 46 this month. For more information on the scholarship and fundraiser, click here.