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Tinker civilian lauded for valor

  • Published
  • By Darren D. Heusel
  • 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
A Tinker Air Force Base civilian was lauded for his heroism Jan. 9 during a 72nd Mission Support Group commander's call.

Johnnie Pickett, a materials examiner and identifier with the 72nd Services Division's Recycling Department, was presented with the U.S. Air Force Command Civilian Award for Valor after rescuing a 3-year-old girl from a burning car last summer.

The ceremony marked the first time the civilian award, equivalent to the military Airman's Medal, has been presented at Tinker.

"It was a very nice presentation," Mr. Pickett said. "I was very surprised because I was just doing what I thought was right at the time."

Last August, Mr. Pickett was delivering a load of metal near Oklahoma City when the incident occurred.

Jennifer Wagner was with her 3-year-old daughter at a fueling station when something caused a spark and set the car ablaze.

"All I could do was panic and scream for help," Ms. Wagner recalled. "I kept trying to get my daughter out of the car, but the fire was too hot and I couldn't get close enough."

About that time, Ms. Wagner said she noticed a man at the stop light sitting in a truck and started yelling for him.

"When he noticed me, he quickly jumped out of his truck in the middle of the intersection and ran over to help me with a fire extinguisher in hand," she said. "As the man got to my car, he noticed my daughter inside and risked his life getting her out."

Once the little girl was safe outside, Mr. Pickett told Ms. Wagner to take her daughter and get as far away from the burning car as possible.

"It was then he grabbed the fire extinguisher and sprayed the fire until it was out," Ms. Wagner said. "Once everyone had calmed down, I walked over to the man and gave him the biggest hug and asked him his name.

"Still shaking, I told Johnnie how thankful I was, but I don't think he really understands how thankful I am. I really think he saved my daughter's life."

Mr. Pickett said he doesn't consider himself a hero and merely did what anyone else in that situation would have done.

"She just needed help, so I helped her," he said.