Senior Citizen Rescued from Smoldering House Fire

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- The Oklahoma Commission for Human Services today commended an Adult Protective Services Specialist with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) for rescuing a metro-area senior citizen from a smoldering house fire.
Paula Fly, APS II, Oklahoma County, received the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services Commendation during the Commission’s monthly meeting in Oklahoma City.“

Paula Fly’s dedication, instincts and perseverance are an inspiration to the Commission,” said Commission Chairman Richard L. DeVaughn. “Today’s commendation is a reminder of how the work performed every day by OKDHS has a positive impact on the lives of Oklahomans.”

Fly was working with a client, helping the person relocate to safer housing. They had arranged a time to meet but Fly didn’t find the client at the pre-arranged meeting place. She called the client’s phone number and didn’t receive an answer. Concerned, she went to the client’s door and knocked. Fly heard a weak voice reply from inside. As she attempted to enter the home, the doorknob came off in her hand. She persisted until she gained entry into the home and found the client on the floor. A lamp had fallen over onto a heating pad and the smoldering heating pad was filling the home with smoke. Fly quickly unplugged the heating pad and lamp and called emergency services.

“Paula exemplifies the true spirit of human services,” said Howard H. Hendrick, director, OKDHS. “Thanks to her quick actions, a tragedy was prevented and the client received care at a hospital and is doing fine today.”

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