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Pierre Gibbons Awarded Carnegie Medal For Running Into Burning Patterson Park Home To Rescue Elderly Neighbor In 2019

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Pierre Gibbons, the man who ran into a burning home in Patterson Park to rescue his neighbor in Sept. 2019, was honored Wednesday with an award for his heroism.

Gibbons was awarded the Carnegie Medal for his act of valor.

On September 23, 2019, Gibbons ran in to rescue the elderly woman who lived inside the burning home on North Rose Street, suffering life-threatening injuries, including burns to more than 70% of his body, that kept him hospitalized for months with a 10% chance of survival.

The neighbor he rescued, Sandy Sterling, later died.

At a ceremony Wednesday, he reiterated a constant theme: he doesn't consider himself a hero.

"I'm kind of like, 'Am I a hero or am I the dude who ran into a fire like an idiot?' I don't know, still working on that," he joked.

Baltimore Fire Chief Niles Ford said it was amazing to see Gibbons back at home recovering after everything he went through.

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"This is what a hero looks likes," said Councilman Zeke Cohen at the ceremony outside Gibbons' home.

Gibbons, who was severely burned during the rescue, at one point was on life support. He returned home in June 2020 and continues outgoing rehab at Johns Hopkins Bayview. Neighbors raised money to help Gibbons with his recovery at home, covering bills and purchasing meals.

"When you save one life, you save the world," said Johns Hopkins Burn Center Dr. Scott Hultman.

Gibbons said he works hard every day to continue healing and looks forward to cheering on the Ravens this weekend.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover some of the family's expenses. To learn more, click here.

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