Norristown Vet Ran Into Burning Home, Rescued Man On Fire

NORRISTOWN, PA — When the moment of truth came one sunny morning in Norristown, local resident Jimmy Johnson did not hesitate.

It was Monday morning. His neighbor's home on Swede Street was on fire. Smoke plumed from the roof, and people were saying that someone was stuck inside on the second floor.

Johnson, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and also known as "The Cowboy," kicked the door down, the Norristown Fire Department said.

With the help of some young kids who happened to be nearby, he helped evacuate the home, and then ran up the steps himself to find the man who was trapped, according to the fire department.

The man was on fire when Johnson found him, and after he carried him outside, others helped him use a blanket to put the flames out, according to officials.

Firefighters arrived on the scene to battle back the blaze, and the victim was taken to a trauma center in Philadelphia to be treated.

"The modest Mr. Johnson, Marine Corps Veteran, said it was just instinct that kicked in and he did what he had to do," the Norristown Fire Department said, in describing the incident. "He thanked Plymouth Community Ambulance and all the firefighters for taking care of him and making sure he was ok."

"One of the many, MANY great residents of Norristown right here," the municipality said in noting the incident. "Thank you so much."

The stoic Johnson will also be formally recognized for his heroism by Norristown Municipal Council at an upcoming meeting.