The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department has formally recognized a citizen for his actions to help save a woman from a house fire last month.

Sheriff Dan Abbott says on the morning of February 28, Ricky Holly spotted heavy smoke coming from a home in the 11,000 block of County Road 653 in Pinegrove Township while passing by with another person. Realizing the potential danger and believing the home may be occupied, Holly stopped to help.

Holly entered the smoke-filled home, opened doors to allow several animals to escape, and then found the woman who was unable to leave on her own due to physical limitations. The sheriff’s department says despite hazardous conditions, Holly successfully helped the woman out of the home prior to the arrival of emergency personnel.

Holly was presented with a Letter of Commendation by the sheriff’s  department on Tuesday for taking swift and decisive action, preventing the loss of life or serious injury.

Sheriff Abbott says Holly’s “courage, compassion, and willingness to act in a dangerous situation exemplify the highest standards of community service.”