October 9, 2007 - Citizen’s Life Saving Heroics to be Recognized at Council Meeting

Citizen to be awarded Mayor Glover’s Award of Excellence and the Fire Department Citizen Commendation

At today’s (Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2007) Shreveport City Council meeting, Mayor Cedric Glover and Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran will recognize the heroic and life-saving actions of Ms. Catherine Golston.

On July 27 Ms. Golston, who resides at 2435 Jamison, was driving in the 2700 block of Phelps Avenue when she noticed the front porch of a home on fire. Noticing no one else around, Ms. Golston stopped her vehicle, jumped out and went to alert the resident(s) of the home and attempt to extinguish the fire. As she got closer to the home, she noticed not only the porch burning but that a person, 66-year-old Willis Washington, was on fire. She quickly went and retrieved a water hose and doused the man until completely extinguished. She then called 911 from her cell phone and stayed by his side until the fire department arrived.

Washington, was seriously burned and in critical condition when transported to the hospital by SFD paramedics. He was released from the hospital just last week but is still being cared for at a step-down facility. His daughter is Shreveport Police Officer Kimberly Washington. According to Officer Washington, her father suffered a seizure while smoking on the front porch. In the midst of his seizure he fell on the cigarette and ignited his clothes. The Fire Department and Officer Washington believe without a doubt that had it not been for the quick and decisive actions of Ms. Golston, Officer Washington's father would not have survived.
 
Ms. Golston did not stay around the scene to receive a thank you from the Fire Department or Officer Washington. She slipped out after the fire department arrived and simply got back into her car and drove away. After some time, Officer Washington and the Fire Department were able track her down to recognize her truly unselfish and heroic actions.

For her actions, today Ms. Golston will be presented with “Mayor Glover’s Award of Excellence” and the “Fire Department Citizen Commendation.” ###