St. Paul Fire Department wants to honor home explosion rescuers, but they have not come forward

Two neighbors are credited with saving a man after his St. Paul home went up in flames. Now, the St. Paul Fire Department is working to honor the pair for their bravery.

Michael “Sarge” Schultz’s family told FOX 9 he is out of the burn unit and in a long-term care facility. His family says they are optimistic even though there is a long road ahead. 

Cell phone video captured the flames ripping through the home last month, but it doesn’t show the initial explosion or two of Schultz’s neighbors rushing into the now-demolished house to save him.

Schultz is now recovering from second-degree burns to his arms, hands and head.

“They broke out the window and pulled the individual to safety, ultimately saving the individual’s life prior to the fire department arriving,” said Deputy St. Paul Fire Chief Roy Mokosso. 

For their bravery, the St. Paul Fire Department wants to honor the pair with the civilian letter of commendation, but there’s just one issue.

“That’s been the tough thing, we did get their contact info and have tried to contact them,” said Mokosso.

A neighbor says the rescuers’ names are Paul and Israel. The two, however, aren’t returning the department’s calls.

Schultz’s family released a statement saying, “We would like to thank the very brave individuals who saved Dad. Words cannot express our gratitude.”

Family members say he’s on a fixed income and the senior citizen does not have home owner’s insurance. To help, a GoFundMe has been set up for him.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Family statement