Jul 26, 2007 By Patty Yauger 1 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Five-year-old Michael Travis nodded his head affirmatively as Connellsville firefighter Lt. Bill Mickey gently instructed him Wednesday that climbing on roofs was not in his best interest. Just minutes earlier, Mickey had retrieved the youngster from firefighter Craig Gates, who had carried him from the second-story roof to an awaiting ladder being steadied on the ground by fire Chief Joe Childs and assistant Chief Dennis Petrowski.

“You have to listen to the police and firemen – don’t do that anymore,” said Mickey.

Neighbors along North Cottage Avenue gathered at the residence with his mother, Jennifer Travis, waiting for the city fire department to extend the ladders to his location.

“His older brother had thrown his airplane out the window, and he decided to go after it,” said Jennifer Travis following the rescue.

After receiving a few hugs and admonishments from family members, the bare-footed youngster took refuge on the porch while his mother speculated whether he would again venture onto the roof.

“Unfortunately, he isn’t afraid of anything,” she said.

In addition to the city fire department, the city police department and Fayette EMS responded to the 2:20 p.m. incident.