NORFOLK, Va. — On Valentine’s Day, a fire broke out at a home on the 200 block of East Ocean Avenue before 10 a.m. Joshua Brown said he drove by the home and saw the smoke as it funneled out and he stopped to help.
“I’m just so glad that I was right here, at the right time,” said Brown. Inside the home were four children: 5-year-old Alyson Barnes, 3-year-old Albree Barnes, 2-year-old Anwar Barnes Jr. and 1-year-old Alijah Barnes.
Norfolk Sheriff’s Office officials said Deputy Andrew Bice was driving to the store on his day off when he noticed smoke at the home and ran up to the door to break it down. Brown said he tried to help Bice break down the door.
“We went kick for kick on that door, and it just wouldn’t open,” said Brown. Brown said the thick smoke prevented them from getting in the home, so they ran to the side of the house where they heard screaming.
“I tried to get in because I knew there was something wrong and that’s when I heard their screams, and they were screaming so bad,” said Brown. The men got all of the children out of the house and to safety. The children’s father, Anwar Barnes, said he was out of town when the fire happened and when he got the news that his children were safe, he was beyond grateful.
“I’m appreciative that everyone’s alive, that’s the only thing that matters. The sun’s shining bright, and I’m going to take it in as a sign pretty much that it’s okay,” said Barnes. Barnes said thank you to Brown on Monday at his destroyed home.
“Just to say thanks for everything. We’re surrounded by heroes, people out here saving lives, so it’s a good day,” said Barnes.
Altogether, the family has eight children and their church is setting up a collection to help them.
If you’d like to donate through Ocean View Lighthouse Church, their address is on 234 E. Bay Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23503.
Phone: (757) 802-1452
Website: Ovlighthousechurch.com
Email: admin@OVlighthousechurch.com