Trash Men Hailed as 'Guardian Angels' After Saving Family From Fire

Image: Manassas Mayor Harry J. Parrish II met on Monday in the City Council chambers with Kevin Shepherd, center, and Jesse Carter (American Disposal Services).

City leaders on Monday thanked a pair of trash collectors who helped a Manassas family escape from their burning house.

The two waste and recycling collectors, Jesse Carter and Kevin Shepherd of American Disposal Services, were working early on the morning of Friday, Oct. 23, near some townhouses in the 9000 block of Portner Avenue when they spotted the fire, said Patty Prince, a city spokeswoman.

Seeing black smoke at the rear of a house, they stopped what they were doing, called 911, and ran to the front of the house to get the family out, their company said in a statement. Carter and Shepherd repeatedly knocked at the door until they ensured all members of the family had safely exited the house, and then waited with them until Manassas firefighters arrived.

So far, the family has not commented on the incident, according to Prince.

On Monday, the two men received thanks from the Manassas City Council and city officials. “When they arrived, they were met with applause and greeted by Mayor Harry J. Parrish II, who expressed his gratitude for their bravery, on behalf of the City of Manassas,” American Disposal Services said in the statement.

The two men have also been praised on the city’s Facebook page. As of about 5:15 p.m. Thursday, the Facebook post had received 1,136 likes, 174 shares and dozens of comments. “The world needs more Jesse and Kevins!!! Thank you!!!” wrote one viewer.

Another viewer wrote: “God is good. True examples of guardian angels! Great job fellas!” Check out more comments on the city’s Facebook page - click here.

“The City of Manassas is deeply grateful to Jesse and Kevin for their willingness and bravery in assisting our residents. Their fast thinking saved not only the family in the home – but neighboring families and businesses as well,” said Monica Boehringer, the city’s refuse and recycling coordinator, in the American Disposal Services statement. “The Refuse and Recycling crews have always been an active part of our community – now they are our heroes as well.”