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Sanford Harling III died attempting to rescue
Sanford Harling, Jr., from burning
in Norristown, Pennsylvania,
on Feb. 5, 2016.
Sanford Harling, Jr., 58, who required
the use of a walker,
was on the second floor
of the family's duplex unit
after fire broke out in the living room
on the first floor.
Indicating to those outside
the rear of the house
that he was returning for his father,
Sanford re-entered the structure
through its back door.
Harling, meanwhile, went through the second floor
window on the side of the house
and dropped from it, to the ground,
which was grassy.
He sustained significant injury,
which required hospitalization.
When conditions permitted,
firefighters entered the house
and found Sanford on the first floor.
He then died of smoke inhalation
and permanent burns.
When you think of courage,
what do you think of?
I think of four words;
fearless,
heroism,
bravery,
and boldness.
These four words describe Sanford.
For he exemplifies
the meaning of courage.
His selfless courage
is an example of family love.
As a mother,
I cannot imagine
your internal pain
in losing a child,
but the love
that you instilled
within your son
to be a giver of love
and the strength needed to
love
unselfishly
is a measure
of his actions
and we as parents,
family,
neighbors, and friends,
should take a message
from your son
to love unconditionally.
It is my honor and privilege today to present
the Carnegie Medal for heroism
to Sandford Harling III,
"Man Man,"
for his actions
on Feb. 5, 2016.
He was always
loved
by everyone and
he was already
they already had said he was
a hero,
but now it's official that he is
a true hero.
That's going down in history.
And I just thank everyone
so much
for being with our family
and we go through bad days
and good days,
but
the good outweighs the bad.
That was a mama's boy.
Truly a mama's boy.
He was always my baby.
I just love you, and I miss you.