On the morning of 20 December 1981, Timothy Burkholder noticed smoke billowing out of a neighbouring house. He hurried over and found two men attempting to save a would-be-rescuer, who had collapsed in the smoke-filled porch. Without hesitating he lent his assistance. While removing the woman, he saw a foot resting on the kitchen floor near the doorway. Risking his own life a second time, Mr. Burkholder re-entered the porch and went into the kitchen. Using all his strength, ignoring the intensity of the fire, he struggled to drag an unconscious woman through heavy smoke. Other neighbours gathered around helped revive the victim. She was treated for extensive burns. But for Mr. Burkholder's unselfish action the woman would have perished.