By Cheryl Conway
For the love of neighbors—ironically the rescue happened in February (recognized as the month of love for Valentine’s Day)—these two heroines saved their neighbor from a house fire.
Tracy Foy and her daughter Zoëy of Flanders were recognized at the April 21, Mt. Olive Twp. Council meeting, for their act of bravery. The duo acted swiftly when they noticed that their elderly neighbor’s garage was on fire on Feb. 5.
From a councilman applying CPR to a friend during a basketball game, a high school student saving dogs from a rescue shelter on fire, to these two Flanders women saving their neighbor during a house fire—Mt. Olive is certainly home to an increasingly number of brave individuals.
“Tracy and Zoëy Foy were the first to notice the flames,” shares Lisa Brett, Mt. Olive mayor’s assistant, in a press release. “Without hesitation, Zoëy ran to Lois’s home to alert her and her home health aide that the garage was on fire while Tracy called 911. Initially, the aide closed the door and went to check the garage herself. Upon seeing the flames and smoke, she immediately reopened the door.
“Understanding the urgency and aware of Lois’s limited mobility, Zoëy and Tracy rushed into the now smoke-filled home and safely carried Lois across the street to their own house,” continues Brett. “They ensured she was out of harm’s way while first responders worked to contain the fire. Lois remained with them during the emergency, where they kept her warm, calm and well cared for until she was safely reunited with her family.”
Council President Alex Roman describes the rescue as “an extraordinary act of courage and compassion when they responded without hesitation when their neighbor’s garage caught on fire. They exemplify true bravery and kindness of what it means to look out for one’s neighbor.”
Adds Brett, “Their quick thinking, courage, and compassion in a frightening and dangerous situation likely prevented a far more tragic outcome. Their actions exemplify true bravery, neighborly love and selflessness.”
Meet the Heroines
Residents of Flanders since April 2012, Tracy Foy is a mother of three who works as a dental receptionist at Mount Olive Family Dental.
Her 17-year-old daughter, Zoë, is a junior at Mt. Olive High School.
They say the fire began around 2:40 p.m.
“Zoë came home from school, a little later we looked out of the front window and saw smoke coming from the back of our elderly neighbors’ garage,” says Tracy, former Mt. Olive Girls Scouts troop leader.
Describes Zoë, “My mother and I were sitting in the living room when she looked out the window and asked if Ms. Lois' house was on fire. When I too looked out the window, I saw thick black smoke emerging from behind her garage.”
Adds Tracy, “We ran outside and then saw flames,” she describes. “I asked Zoë to knock on the door and get everyone out whilst I called 911 and reported it. Then I helped Zoë at the door. Zoë had let the aide know what was going on, but she had closed the door when she ran to check. We banged on the door and when she opened it, Zoë stayed at the door while I ran in and the aide helped me get a blanket around my neighbor as it was freezing out and snow covered. Our neighbor has limited mobility, so Zoë carried her all the way from her house to our house. I made sure that she got out and then I called 911 again to let them know that everyone was safely out of the house and would be at mine.”
Describes Zoë, “When my neighbor came out she was wrapped in a blanket and looked adorable. My mother then told me to take Lois. I didn’t know what to do in the moment because my neighbor has limited mobility and needs a walker to help assist her. So, I just picked her up without thinking and started walking across to my house.”
Adds Tracy, “Police and first responders got here quickly, the firetrucks did not seem very far behind. It smelled horrible, black smoke and the flames were all around the back of the garage, it was freezing, that is what I remember most.”
Recalls Zoë, “There were black flames everywhere and the fire kept on getting bigger and bigger.”
They are grateful that Lois is ok.
“Luckily EMS checked out our neighbor, and all was good,” says Tracy. “She was cold, so I gave her blankets and a hot water bottle. Then I called my mum in England so they could chat as they are friends and I thought it would really help to take her mind off what was happening.”
As far as her neighbor’s house, Tracy says, “The house is smoke damaged as far as I know and is currently uninhabitable. Our neighbor is currently at her daughter's who lives locally and hopefully will be home in the next few months.”
Even four months after the incident, the Foys reflect on the incident.
“I almost thought I would lose it when everyone was out of the house, maybe just in relief, that they were safe,” says Tracy, who admits to never rescuing anyone before. “Zoë seemed to take it all in her stride. I cried when I received a call from the town letting us know that someone had anonymously called and they were honoring us. I was extremely touched by the kindness.”
Adds Zoë, “I was honestly in shock the whole time while saving her. I couldn’t believe her house was actually on fire and I was carrying her to my house. At first, I was definitely freaked out, but once her and the aide were saved, I felt calm knowing at least they were safe.”
Their actions truly represent the meaning of community.
“We reacted because she is our neighbor,” says Tracy. “She is loved by everyone that lives in neighborhood; she used to make us all a rum cake on our birthdays and actually mail a birthday card even though she only lives across the street. We moved to an amazing neighborhood, and everyone looks out for each other.”
Adds Zoë, “She’s been my neighbor for as long as I’ve lived in Mt. Olive. She is beloved by my entire neighborhood, and anyone would have reacted the same way for her.”
Volleyball player, swimmer, math wizard, volunteer and lifeguard, Zoë says she has used rescue techniques while lifeguarding.
From posts on Facebook to officials at the council meeting, their actions have not gone unnoticed.
“That was pretty incredible,” says Council Vice President Chuck Aaron.
