MARTINSVILLE, Va. – A special ceremony was held earlier today at the Martinsville Fire Department Station 1 at 65 West Church Street in Uptown Martinsville to honor Allen and Chris Bell for their efforts in rescuing a family from a burning home in Kernersville, N.C. in the early morning hours of January 14, 2009.
The brothers are the sons of retired Martinsville Fire Department Captain David Bell and are residents of the Martinsville-Henry County Community. Proclamations honoring their brave efforts were presented by state representatives in attendance, as well as Mayor Kathy Lawson and members of Martinsville City Council.
Unfortunately, Allen Bell was sick and unable to attend today’s ceremony; Chris accepted honors on behalf of himself and his brother.
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- Chris Bell shakes hands with state legislators as Mayor Lawson looks on.
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- Members of the Bell family look on as a short video was shown of the burning home where the rescue took place exploding shortly after everyone escaped.
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- Chris Bell (with Council proclamation in hand) poses along with (left to right) Councilman Mark Stroud, Councilman Danny Turner, Mayor Kathy Lawson, and Councilman Gene Teague
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- Chris Bell (with proclamations from the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates) poses with 16th dist. Del. Don Merricks, 10th dist. Del. Ward Armstrong, and 20th dist. State Sen. Roscoe Reynolds.
