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Man gets proclamation for saving blind man from burning home

PITTSBURGH — A man who risked his life to save a blind man from a burning Marshall-Shadeland home was honored Tuesday.

Tuesday was declared Paul Hinerman Day in Pittsburgh.

"It has definitely changed my life and my way of looking at life in so many ways," he said.

In February, Hinerman rushed into a burning home as his fiancée and children waited anxiously outside.

"When he went in, it was just pure fear because we didn't want him to get hurt or lose him," said Hinerman's son, Brandon Brown.

Hinerman moved quickly past the kitchen, which was in flames, and headed to a back room where he found Ralph Lowe asleep on the couch.

"I didn't even wake him.  I just grabbed him and pulled him right out," said Hinerman.

Hinerman's sons were relieved to see their dad and Lowe out of the fire and safe.

"I wasn't worried about getting hurt. I was just worried if anybody was in there and getting them out safe," he said.

Hinerman didn't know that Lowe was legally blind until after the rescue.

Lowe said he may not have made it out without Hinerman.  Lowe now calls Hinerman a friend.

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