Multiple recognized for response to deadly house fire in Strathmore

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Four staff members with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office are being recognized for their bravery while responding to a deadly house fire in Strathmore.

Three of them were honored with the highest law enforcement award, a Medal of Valor.

"You are true heroes sent from heaven above. Thank you so much," Sheila Lewing expressed in a heartfelt speech.

Sheila is the surviving mother of a deadly house fire in Strathmore on October 17th.

"I believe with all my heart that my little girls are in heaven right now with God," said Bobby Floyd Jr., Sheilia's husband.

The couple's daughters, 8-year-old Josie and 7-year-old Bobby Jean, passed away in the house fire.

Sheila and Bobby shared emotional words of gratitude during a ceremony at the Tulare County Sheriff Department's headquarters on Monday morning.

They expressed their thankfulness to the sheriff's deputies who pulled their unconscious bodies out of their burning home in October and saved their lives.

Deputy Juan Lopez was presented with a Letter of Commendation.

Sergeant Michael Torres, Deputy Hector Negrete and Deputy Javier Montoya were all honored with the Medal of Valor.

The family was given the chance to thank the men who saved their lives in person.

"For me, today was a very special day because we finally got to tell the men who risked their lives to save ours in person. Thank you. And the decorations they got today they absolutely deserve. I mean, I'm just so grateful to them, and I am just so glad they got recognized," said Bobby.

The fire broke out the morning of October 17th in Sheila and Bobby's Strathmore home.

Their five children were inside, but Josie and Bobby Jean didn't make it.

Deputies were able to save the other three.

The two youngest daughters are survived by their siblings, Matthew, Amber and Little Bobby.

"I wouldn't have my kids if it wasn't for those officers because they weren't thinking of their lives or their families. They just ran into those burning flames to save lives, and for that, I am so grateful to them, and I couldn't thank them enough," said Sheila.

Sheriff Mike Boudreaux mentioned the rarity of someone in law enforcement being awarded this highest honor.

He had no doubt the deputies on call that morning went above and beyond to rescue the family.

"It was a dangerous yet scary situation which they tackled, which truly was acts of bravery and heroism as they went into this burning building and retrieved five lifeless bodies," said Boudreaux.

The family says they remain grateful to the deputies and the community for their support during this tragedy.

The community also ensured the three kids had gifts this Christmas- each received a bike, toys and clothing.

On Tuesday, responding Lindsay Police Officer Bruce Fox will also be honored with a Medal of Valor.

If anyone would like to donate to the family, you can visit their GoFundMe page.

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