When nobody was willing to step up, two brave men risked their lives to save a stranger from a fiery fate.
Where there's smoke
Tre Jones and his friend Marcus Harvey were driving in Marion, Indiana when they smelled smoke nearby. Sure enough, they spotted a house on South Adams Street in flames with smoke billowing out of it.
“I’m like ‘I smell smoke, I smell smoke. Somebody’s house is on fire," Jones recounted to WTHR.
There were no firemen on the scene when the two arrived. When they did, people around were saying that others were trapped inside.
They basically tell us there's a guy inside the house. We didn't know where he was at, just heard him screaming and everything.
- Marcu Harvey
Even worse is that instead of doing something, they were standing by filming it all on their cell phones.
They took action
With no time to waste, the two friends swooped into action. Jones recalled the chaos to CBS.
I kicked the door open and boom, and then fire and smoke started coming out. When I heard his voice screaming, I just felt like I knew I could get him out.
Tre Jones
They managed to drag the man to safety as firefighters finally arrived and rushed him to a hospital in Ft. Wayne.
It turns out that the victim, 56-year-old Guy Tarlton, had fallen asleep while cooking when a spark set the house aflame. The house had no smoke alarm.
Don't wait for someone to act
Although the two men were unable to visit Guy due to Covid restrictions, they are keeping in touch with the family. “I wish him the best recovery, and I’m praying for his friends and family,” said Harvey.
However, Tartlon's nephew had a chance to meet and personally thank the two men who saved his uncle's life.
"They just had an instinct of human nature to save a person if you hear them saying help," he said.
I don’t say I’m a super hero, but I’m human. I help when I can help.
Tre Jones
It's hard to say what part of this story is more impressive: The two men's bravery or everyone else's inaction.
If Jones and Harvey showed us anything, it's how unacceptable it is to stand by and watch as someone's life is literally going up in flames. That doesn't mean rushing into a burning home and dragging someone to safety. One thing it can't be is recording like a scene out of 'Nightcrawler' as precious seconds tick away.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.