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Harford County honors delivery driver who rescued an 84‑year‑old from a house fire
Summary
At its March meeting, the Harford County Council presented a proclamation to Sarah Valentine, an Amazon delivery driver, for rescuing 84‑year‑old Mary Chavis from a Feb. 11 dwelling fire; the council and Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company praised her actions and invited her to be an honorary member of the department.
Harford County presented a proclamation recognizing Sarah Valentine, an Amazon delivery driver, for rescuing 84‑year‑old Mary Chavis from a dwelling fire on Feb. 11, 2026.
Council President Vincente read the proclamation on behalf of the County Council, saying Valentine saw heavy smoke, obtained the address, called 911 and “calmly guided” Chavis to safety using a garden chair before emergency responders arrived. The proclamation named the Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company and surrounding mutual aid companies as the emergency responders to that scene.
Valentine, who accepted the recognition modestly, told the council: “All I saw was fire and I heard Miss Mary and I just did what I thought anybody would do.” A representative of the Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company thanked her and offered her an honorary membership at the station.
The council presented Valentine with the framed proclamation and posed for photographs with members of the fire company and the family of the person she rescued. The council’s recognition emphasizes the role that bystanders and volunteer emergency services play in local public‑safety responses.
The council did not announce any formal follow‑up actions related to the rescue; the proclamation served as the official expression of the council’s appreciation.
