Members of the Licking City Council recently honored two persons who performed heroic acts following a house explosion that sparked a regional response to the community.
Pat Burton, Licking chief of police, presented Meritorious Service Awards to Licking Cpl. Kenny Santee and citizen Will Foster, who risked their lives in saving a man who was trapped at the home when it exploded Dec. 1 on Myers Street. One other occupant was injured. Rescuers climbed onto the roof and through rubble to reach the injured man. A third man, who wasn’t identified, also assisted.
A state investigation ruled the cause as an unintentional gas leak.
A fund has been established at Progressive Ozark Bank to assist, Ginger Family Benefit. The home and contents were destroyed. Numerous agencies assisted Licking police and firefighters.