Probation officer commended
WASHINGTON – A Washington County juvenile probation officer was commended for his heroism by the county commissioners Thursday. Michael Porter, who has a probation office at Washington High School, was recognized for his bravery in running into a burning apartment building on March 11 and carrying an unconscious woman to safety.
According to Judge Katherine B. Emery, who oversees the JPO program, Porter was at work when some students came into his office saying the building across the street was on fire.
“Courage has been defined as the desire to live taking on the willingness to die,” Emery said.
Emery said Porter showed true courage the day of the fire.
“There were flames coming out of the second floor window. He ran in and carried an unconscious woman from the second floor,” Emery said. “He went in a second time with another man and knocked on all the doors to get the people out.”
Emery said the woman Porter carried from the building was burned, but survived the incident following treatment at West Penn Hospital. Porter returned to work following the rescue.
“As a juvenile probation officer, he rescues children every day….but on March 11, as a community member, we all saw his courage to save a person in need,” Emery said.
Porter said he was initially concerned that Emery would be upset with him for having left his post.
“I guess I don’t have to worry about that anymore,” Porter said, as he accepting the commendation.