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Greene County probation officer recognized for help with February fire

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A Greene County probation officer was recognized for helping at the scene of a February fire in Waynesburg.

David Jones said he was on his way home with his family Feb. 19 when he noticed smoke coming from a West High Street apartment building that also houses Kalsey Insurance.

Multiple departments responded to the fire, which was reported about 6:30 p.m. One of the three heavily damaged apartments had thousands of ammunition rounds inside, which started exploding. Two dogs were rescued from one of the apartments, and four residents were displaced.

When Jones arrived at that intersection, he saw a man standing in the road trying to direct traffic around the burning building.

“When I saw him I realized the building was on fire,” Jones said.

He stopped his vehicle, called 911 and ran behind the structure to knock on doors, yelling to make sure no one was inside. He said he could hear the popping sound of the ammunition going off, but that didn’t stop him from doing the right thing.

“At the time, you don’t think of that,” he said. “Once I was pretty positive no one was in the apartments, I just made sure everyone stayed back.”

Jones, of Franklin Township, was a firefighter for Center Township for about 11 years, which he said played a role in the way he responded that day.

“I didn’t do anything that anyone else wouldn’t have done,” he said. “I did what anyone should do – to stop and assist.”

Waynesburg fire Chief Jeff Marshall said many people in the community stepped up to offer assistance that day, Jones included.

“We appreciate the help he gave us,” he said.

Waynesburg police Chief Robert Toth said Jones helped out with directing traffic during the fire, as well.

“Sometimes we get the opportunity to do good things,” Toth said. “He didn’t have to stop, but he went above and beyond. The bullets were going off, he had no protective gear and no idea what was going on, but Dave didn’t hesitate and he deserves to be recognized.”

Toth and Waynesburg Mayor Brian Tanner presented Jones with a letter of appreciation Friday, thanking him for his help.

“We wanted to recognize the type of individual the county employs and thank him for what he did,” Tanner said.

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