Nurse Saves Man and Pets from Burning House: Ohio Town Honors Her Bravery

Bryan, Ohio, doesn’t often make national headlines, but on October 14, 2025, the small city made sure one of their own got the recognition she deserved. The city officially declared "Zoey Kelley Heroism Day" in honor of a local nurse who put her life on the line to save a man, and his cats, from a burning house.

An Ordinary Shift Turns into an Extraordinary Rescue

On the evening of October 6, Zoey Kelley was working her shift at Majestic Care nursing home when she heard desperate cries for help coming from a neighboring property on Alpine Drive. Inside the smoke-filled house was Glenn Ogle, trapped and unable to escape as flames spread through his home.

"I heard the gentleman yell, 'Help.' I froze for a second, then jumped the fence and ran over as fast as I could," Kelley recounted. What followed demonstrated the instinctive response that many nurses develop through their professional training. "Thank goodness for all my nursing skills, they all kicked in."

After calling 911, Kelley made the split-second decision that would save a life. Without protective equipment—no mask, no fire gear, nothing to shield her from the smoke and flames—she entered the burning building. The scene inside was chaotic and dangerous.

"All I saw was red, and then I saw him," Kelley described. "Panic kicked in, but I talked to him, asked if he was OK, and told him we were going to get through this."

Kelley successfully guided Ogle to safety just minutes before firefighters arrived at the scene. Not stopping there, she also rescued two cats from the burning structure, ensuring no lives, human or animal, were lost that evening.

Community Recognition and Gratitude

Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade emphasized the exceptional nature of Kelley's actions during the recognition ceremony. "It's so unique to have someone without any equipment just run in to save someone because it's the right thing to do," Schlade said. "We're so proud to have Zoey in our community."

The ceremony included a touching personal note from Glenn Ogle himself, who now refers to Kelley simply as his "angel." This sentiment reflects the profound impact that nursing professionals can have when their clinical skills and compassionate instincts converge in critical moments.

For her part, Kelley has remained humble about her actions. "Thank God for putting me at the right place at the right time," she said when accepting the honor.

From Nurse to Local Legend

The proclamation of "Zoey Kelley Heroism Day" not only honors one nurse's extraordinary courage but also symbolizes the countless times healthcare professionals quietly extend themselves beyond their formal duties to protect others. In Bryan, Ohio, October 14 will now stand as an annual reminder of how one person's training, courage, and compassion made all the difference between life and death.

🤔Nurses, have you ever used your training in an unexpected situation? We’d love to hear your stories, share them in the discussion forum below!