A teenager at Kingman, Ind., who herded her siblings from a fire at their home was honored Wednesday by the Fountain County Emergency Medical Services and the Kingman Volunteer Fire Department.
Meggan Coles, 15, a sophomore at Fountain Central High School, was surprised with a plaque during her morning computer class.
“Not every day do you see a young person step up to the plate,” said Bryan Lanham of the Fountain County EMS. “I am very thankful she got her sisters out.”
Her parents, Mary and Peter Coles, knew about the plaque, but it was a complete surprise to Meggan. In addition, the family received a monetary contribution.
“We wanted to recognize her,” Lanham said.
Coles and her sisters were home alone shortly after 8 p.m. EST on Feb. 5 when lightning struck their home just outside Kingman. She got her sisters out and then went back in the house to call 911.
“I just did it,” Coles said. “I was concerned about my three sisters. I forgot to put shoes and a coat on. We would have been out in the cold if our neighbors hadn’t brought a car for us to get in.”
The girls’ parents were at work when the fire broke out.
Kingman Fire Chief Allen Brown estimated the damage to the two-story wood frame home at $15,000. The family is able to continue to live in the home.
“I am very thankful they all got out,” said Lanham. “She had a good calm level head. You just don’t often see that in a young person.”
Brown said the fire department got the call at 8:21 p.m. and arrived at 8:26 p.m. They were on the scene until 9:53 p.m.
“They are able to live in the home,” Brown said.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Matt Huber
Discussion
Teen honored for saving sisters
Girl stayed calm after lightning starts fire
- Local News
-
-
Dad welcomes baby — while a world away
Like most fathers, Brandun Schweizer wanted to witness his first child’s birth. There was just one problem, however — he was thousands of miles away in Afghanistan.
-
Veterans ask people to pause
Although the Memorial Day weekend is a time for picnics and pool parties, veterans’ groups hope people pause to remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty, as well as others who have died.
-
Martha Stewart learns family’s roots
Television viewers have been treated to two series lately dealing with genealogy.
-
Haiti touches her heart
Janis Ostiguy of Danville experiences many emotions each time she visits Haiti — sadness at the poverty, happiness with the children, warmth for the people and their spirit.
-
Turtles return to race
Collected turtles are being fed fruits, meat and vegetables and will be ready to go for the 48th Annual Turtle Races.
-
Hiker’s heart is in America's Highlands
Robert Burns, the immortal Scottish poet, once wrote, “My heart’s in the Highlands, my heart is not here; my heart’s in the Highlands, a’chasing the wild deer; a’chasing the wild deer, and following the roe; my heart’s in the Highlands, wherever I go.”
-
Posters recall Cannon’s 1880 opponent
In 1980, John Mendenhall found three 1880 J. R. Scott campaign posters in a home he was restoring.
-
Longtime teacher finishes with kindergarten
Jan Hershberger earned her undergraduate degree to teach kindergarten, but it wasn’t until her final six years in the classroom that she had a chance to do it.
- Police to give away bikes
- Picnic planned for elderly
- More Local News Headlines
-
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Wild weather for Memorial Day weekend
Inspiration for the class of 2012
Colorado College Student Shot While Trespassing
Will Smith & Josh Brolin on "Men in Black 3"
80-Year-Old Skydiver's Nightmare Jump
JWoww Sizzles in a Black Bikini
Sliders on the Grill
Cruise ship crunch
Backstage With Beyonce
Ultimate Creamy Potato Salad
Pope's Personal Butler Under Arrest
Jenny McCarthy's New Man
Tyler's Classic Coleslaw
Britney Spears Under X Factor Fire
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Victim Hits Milestone
Hurricanes and Heat Waves Across America
Kristen Stewart Is Red Hot
Shark Attacks Australian Fishing Boat
Bradley out for playoffs
Kayaker Survives Trip Over Washington Waterfall
