The morning of Feb. 27 began like any other normal day. But the quick actions of Coweta County firefighter Frank Jones while on his way to work that morning earned him honors by the Coweta County Commission and a proclamation declaring May 7, 2013 as “Charles Franklin Jones, III Day” in Coweta County.
For Jones, Feb. 27 began with the usual ride to work at Station 10. Jones was traveling down Ga. Highway 54 when he noticed what appeared to be a grass or woods fire near a residence. But the closer he came it became evident that it was the house that was on fire. Jones called 911 to report the fire then pulled off the road, positioning his vehicle where firefighters would have access when they arrived.
Jones left his vehicle and proceed to the house on foot where he was met by a neighbor in the driveway. The neighbor told Jones he believed someone might be inside the house. Jones followed established protocol by first completing a 360-degree survey of the home. The protocol is used because many times a person attempting to evacuate a house will make it as far as the front door and then collapse. A survey also allows firefighters to determine the best way to attack the fire, commissioners said.
After completing the survey, Jones kicked in the front door and entered the home, though he had no turnout gear on nor did he have any breathing apparatus, commissioners noted. Jones located a woman in the house and removed her to safety.
But there was a problem because the woman was not breathing and had no pulse. So Jones began CPR until units began to arrive. Jones continued assisting other responders until the woman could be turned over to EMS staff for transport. The woman regained spontaneous circulation prior to arriving at the emergency room.
Jones’ family and coworkers were on hand at the commission meeting May 7 and joined him as the proclamation was presented.
Jones on May 16 was presented the Heroism award from the Marquis de Lafayette Chapter, Georgia Society, of the Sons of the American Revolution.
