Reluctant hero receives her reward
Published: January 16, 2006
When the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission first sent letters to Elnora Denmark so they could gather information to give her an award, she threw them away.
Denmark, 53, did not want to remember the scariest moment of her life — when she rescued an elderly man from his burning home after a plane crashed into it two years ago.
She finally gave in, returning the paperwork. She was recently honored as a Carnegie Hero.
The Pittsburgh-based Carnegie Hero Fund Commission meets five times annually to choose heroes, who are brought to its attention through newspaper clips or tips on its Web site. Recipients or their survivors get a bronze medal and $3,500.
On New Year’s Day 2004, Denmark was working as the caretaker for retired surgeon L.S. Thompson Jr. when a small plane crashed into his garage. The house caught fire and thick, black smoke filled the home.
People stood at the door and yelled at Denmark to get out of the house. But instead, she found Thompson, wrapped him in a blanket and carried him to safety.
“There was no way I’d leave him behind and save my life,” she said in Monday editions of The Dallas Morning News. “I wouldn’t have done that for nothing in the world.”
A deeply religious person, Denmark has a charred Bible that survived the fire. She calls it a sign from the Lord.
She continues to care for the elderly in Dallas, and said it gives her satisfaction knowing she can help someone.
“My grandmother always taught me do the best you can and never say what you can’t do,” Denmark said. “I never will forget that in life. She would always teach me to respect your elders, do what you can do for them because one day you’ll be in the same shape they’re in.”
Thompson died in February 2004 from complications from strokes. His family says Denmark deserves the recognition.
“I think it’s a wonderful recognition for a true hero,” said Thompson’s son, Sanders Thompson of Dallas. “I’m just happy for her, proud of her and proud to know her. She’s a valuable person to have in your life, and I’m happy to have her there.”
Industrialist Andrew Carnegie started the hero fund in 1904 after being inspired by rescue stories from a mine disaster that killed 181 people.
Since the fund was established, 8,961 people have received medals and $28.2 million has been given in one-time grants, scholarship aid, death benefits and continuing assistance.
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