Fresno men honored for their bravery

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Three men who rushed into a burning apartment to rescue an elderly man last month were honored for their bravery.

Tom Artiaga, Arturo Meza, and Moises Gonzalez all received a lifesaving award and a proclamation, declaring today is their day in the city of Fresno.

Investigators say Meza ran into the smoke filled home while Gonzalez grabbed a garden hose to help.

Cell phone video captured Artiaga running with Robert Wells over his shoulder during the rescue.

"We heard many explosions," said Meza. "There was many things popping off. It was very scary."

"That was a lot of fire, that particular event. So it is kind of shocking that they put themselves in harm's way like that," said Fresno Fire Chief Kerri Donis. "We're just grateful that they did, and I'm sure Mr. Wells is as well."

The rescuers had the chance to meet Wells and say he thanked them for their efforts and the risk they took to save him.

Watch the video for extended coverage from Action News reporter Sontaya Rose.