This is a special award, given only when the occasion arises. As you read below you will see the special requirements for this award.
2002 Julius Bratton - Robert Bratton - Dennis Bratton
On November 17, 2002, family and neighbors helped carry a woman out of her
burning house.
The woman and her son were injured in the 6:46 p.m. fire at on Bishop Street.
A neighbor, 11-year-old Julius Bratton, was sitting on the front porch when he
saw strange flashes across the street near 1019 Bishop Street.
"I thought it was a fire," said Julius, whose fear led his family to snap into
action.
One person called 911 while Robert and Dennis Bratton dashed across the street
to the burning home's front porch.
"There was a lot of smoke," said Robert. As they moved closer, they heard cries
for help.
They saw their neighbor, Ray Jackson, trying to carry his mother, Lucille Smith,
to safety.
"I wasn't going to let her burn," Robert said. "Everybody on this street is just
like family."
When they were out of the house, Smith told them she was hurt. She appeared to
have burns to her legs and lower back, neighbors said.
Smith was listed in critical condition that night at Spartanburg Regional
Medical Center and later that evening she was transported to Augusta Burn
Center.
Ray Jackson also was transported for medical care and was admitted overnight for
observation.