When Nickole Milewski, EMT instructor at the J. Everett Light Career Center (JEL), was awarded a Foundation grant to provide fire extinguisher training for her students, she knew they’d all learn valuable skills. She knew they’d learn how to properly and safely use the extinguishers, how to put out a real fire, and how to keep calm in a stressful situation. But she didn’t know that two of her students would quickly use those very skills to save a stranger’s life.

Shortly after completing the fire extinguisher training, JEL seniors Clay Blackburn and Lilly Hudson were driving home after work when they noticed several cars stopped in the middle of the road. 

“We couldn’t figure out what was going on, so we scanned the area and saw a car in a ditch that had hit a metal telephone pole,” said Clay. “Lilly and I got out right there and went over to help. That’s when we noticed the engine smoking.”

Thanks to their fire extinguisher training, which included the opportunity to put out a real fire, the JEL seniors knew exactly what to do. Clay ran back to his truck and retrieved a fire extinguisher, while Lilly climbed into the car to help the driver. They were able to put out the fire in time and kept the driver calm and safe until the ambulance arrived.

“Because of our training, we both knew what to do,” said Lilly.

“It was one of those moments you don’t think, you just have to act,” added Clay. “We do all our training in the classroom, and when you’re in a real-life situation, you do the same thing. You have to know what you’re doing in there to be able to do it out there.”

A huge round of applause for our heroes Clay and Lilly! Everyone here at the Foundation is extremely proud of all you’ve done, and can’t wait to see what you do next.

Programs like the JEL fire extinguisher training are only possible because of donor support. To learn how you can make an impact in Washington Townships Schools, click here.