Speaking of Jim Talaric...

...I heard that name on the radio today, something about saving someone from a house fire, or noticing the fire and banging on the door to make sure everyone was safe. Is that our Jim Talaric? If so, can you fill us in?

Sure enough. His picture is included and everything. Sad outcome, though, but you're still a hero for trying, Jim...
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2009/feb/06/man-killed-louisville-fire/

Wow...very sad, but kudos to you Jim for doing what you could in a terrible situation.

Sad story but I wouldn't expect anything less from our hero Jimmy.

Richiev

Wow. Very heroic Jim. You are to be praised for your efforts.

There's not many who would've climbed outta bed at 2am like that unless it affected them immediately. A valiant effort Jim!

Thank you, Jim.
One helluva homecoming, eh?

Sorry to hear about the outcome. At least no other lives were lost or homes were damaged, and Jim has a lot to do with that. I wish all neighbors were like him.

Heroic efforts Jim!!...very selfless act...but very sad situation... Todd great job for recognizing his name and posting this here...regards, Rajeev.

Thank you all for the comments. Actually I smelled smoke while in bed and at first I thought it was me that smelled like campfire from our recent photo/camping trip to Arizona. After a few moments I remembered that during the trip we had no campfires then got up to investigate. From our bedroom window I saw the smoke and then some flames and at that moment thought it odd that there were no flashing red lights at the scene and no sound of sirens. I threw on some clothes and drove over. When I got there, I was the only person there and called 911 while running towards the house which was at that point pretty well up in flames. It really was nothing more than trying to beat on the front door to alert anyone that may be inside. There was one of those narrow vertical windows next to the front door and through it I could see the flames right inside the front door. After a minute or so of beating a policemen arrived on the scene and told me to get away from the house. The saddest part is that in the end they found Dave, the person that died in the house, just inside the front door.

While watching the fire deparrtment battle the fire I was talking with Dave's next door neighbors and they told me he was sleeping in the basement. Makes me wonder if the smoke or fire or my pounding awoke Dave and because of the smoke he could not see but was going toward the pounding and made it as far as the front door where he was overcome with smoke.

I also wonder that if the policeman and myself had worked a little harder and broken through the front door if we could have possibly saved Dave.

Thanks again but all I really did was pound on the front door. In the same situation i am sure any of you would have done the same thing.

Jim

Very proud of you, Jim. I saw you on Channel 31 with your interview. Good try, soldier.

Jim, great effort. You did your best.

Bill Brennan

I also wonder that if the policeman and myself had worked a little harder and broken through the front door if we could have possibly saved Dave.

You can drive yourself crazy thinking like that. I know it's only natural, but don't second-guess things too much.

The biggest heartbreak is what he was in the house for. Very, very sad. My heart goes out to the family.

This world could certainly use more like you Jim!

Probably a hundred "what-ifs" in this story. The worst would've been what if no one even tried to help him. Kudos to you for caring enough to race out in the middle of the night to see what you could do. We could all use a neighbor like that.

Jim, many people would have done nothing. You did the right thing, dont even think of second guessing. Take care, friend!

Jim,

Amazing story...just got back from AZ and catching up on the forum. I'm even now more assured about the wisdom of going on photo junkets with you! Great effort on your part despite the outcome.

Rod