American Legion Post 773 hosted the first Erie County Distinguished Service Awards honoring significant acts of public service. Ryan Mazzocco, an Erie County resident twice ran into a burning house and while crawling on his hands and knees saved an elderly man's life.

"I said you are coming with me, I kept yelling you are coming with me and I drug him out to the foyer and then went down three steps, he fell with me and I told him we made it we are safe, we are good to go," Mazzocco said.

Erie firefighter Scott Dentler and Lt. Matt Vickey saved a three-year-old's life when he was trapped in a burning house. "We found a set of windows that looked like it could be a bedroom, we broke those windows, went in, I went one way, Scotty went the other," Vickey said. "We searched the room, I found what felt like a child's bed, found nothing in the bed and I heard Scotty say he found something and after that Scotty was able to get him out the window and out to the awaiting ambulance," Vickey said.

ERIE COUNTY EXECUTIVE BRENTON DAVIS SAYS THE ACTIONS OF THE AWARD RECIPIENTS SHOW THE Erie County Executive Brenton Davis said the actions of the award recipients show the best of Erie County. "Setting your life aside so another person can live, that is an incredible story, and this is who we are here," Davis said.

An award was also given to Tom Gonzales, who passed away last year. Gonzales dedicated 43 years of his life as a volunteer to Crescent Hose Company. His wife, Tina, accepted the award in memory of her late husband and thanked everyone who attended on his behalf.

Erie County residents can be nominated for the award by completing the award nomination form found here: https://eriecountypa.gov/award-nomination-form/