Amazon drivers have had a very busy year. People are depending on them more than ever to get the supplies they need as they stay safely inside. However, Amazon drivers are essential in yet another strange way — they're able to see what's happening in the neighborhood.
Driver Sean Campbell saw more than he thought he would in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, when a Friday route turned into a heroic rescue. While driving, Sean happened to see someone's house on fire. He heard screams and knew he had to help any way he could.
The 23-year-old didn't hesitate to get out of his vehicle and survey the situation. "I heard the screaming and when you hear something like that you have to go to it," he told NBC affiliate WESH, per People magazine.
When he approached the home, he saw that a woman who occupied the house had safely made it outside. But a man was still stuck inside.
The house was reportedly located in the Century Woods subdivision. When Sean fully realized what was happening, he dropped his packages and ran over to see how he could help out. He realized quickly that the fire had started in the garage of the home.
Sean reportedly broke down the front door of the home upon realizing there was still a man trapped inside. As Sean told WESH, he seemed confused over the situation. "He was in the kitchen, you know, with his walker just standing there," Sean said. "I don't think he really knew what was going on. I was like, 'Sir, c'mon. I need to help you. C'mon, let’s get out.'"
The man, unfortunately, wasn't able to move quickly. But with Sean's assistance, he was able to make it out. "He was trying to grab his walker," said Sean. "I was like, 'No, we got to move … you've got to see another day!'" It seems as if Sean came at the perfect time.
Unfortunately, the home is now uninhabitable. But the couple luckily have family nearby. They're hoping to stay with a grandchild until they get back on their feet. The family members of the victims have since stepped up and publicly thanked Sean for all of his work. The incident likely would have had a grim outcome if not for his quick thinking.
"It was fantastic [that] he was both here and able to go inside, and brave enough to go inside," said Tim West, the son of the rescued couple. "We really appreciate that." There's a good chance that this holiday season, the family will be reflecting on Sean's heroic actions quite a bit.
Amazon also loved hearing about the story. ""We love hearing stories about drivers being everyday heroes for our customers and the communities they serve," said Amazon spokesperson Deborah Bass. "Everyone at Amazon was touched by Sean going above and beyond to help someone in need, and we're excited to celebrate and thank him for his great efforts."
But Sean didn't do it for the recognition. He just knew in his heart that he had to be there and try to help. His big joy is that everyone — along with the family's dog — got out of a dangerous situation. He admits he was grateful for being there when he was.
It's unclear as to what started the fire. So far, it's only been revealed that it started in the garage. It's a good reminder that a scary incident like this can happen to anyone, so it's always good to be prepared. Putting fire extinguishers on your holiday wish list is a great idea if it's a purchase you've never made before.
While Sean's story is incredible, he's actually not the first Amazon delivery driver to make a heroic rescue. Just this year, a driver named John Cassabria saved a trapped and injured dog that he spotted while on his route. It all started when he heard a suspicious noise.
"I've never heard anything like that in my life," John, who lives in Massachusetts, told CNN. "I actually heard it over the reversing beep of my van." He followed the noise, which led to a fenced-in yard.
He realized the terrible sound was that of a dog drowning. "I saw a dog — the dog being Luka — barely standing in the pool,'" he said to CNN. "My heart sank as if I was watching an ASPCA commercial from 2005 when they played Sarah McLachlan's 'Angel.'" So he did what he thought was right — he hopped the fence to rescue the dog.
"I dove into the pool with my shoes, wallet, car keys — the whole nine," he said. "And I swam with him (Luka) in my arms the best I could hold him from the midway point of the pool to the shallow end and hoisted him and myself out of the pool." After the rescue, he made sure to call the Woburn Police Department to get in touch with animal control. Oddly enough, the agent he talked to was familiar with the family who owned Luka.
Luka's owners seemed shocked and upset that their elderly dog managed to get into the pool. "We have a doggie door and he's used that doggie door for 15 summers," owner Julie Caldwell said. "He goes outside, goes right to the bathroom, and normally goes back in and stays in the air conditioned house." She was so thankful to John for making the rescue.
Sean and John both had no clue that their days working as Amazon drivers would end with them being heroes, but it just goes to show how important the job is. Without their eyes and ears, along with their bravery, the world would have suffered from two more tragedies. Next time you interact with an Amazon driver, thank them for continuing to work throughout such unprecedented conditions — and for keeping an eye on the neighborhood.
