Oliver Fire Chief Dan Skaros (left) accepts a plaque of commendation from Mayor Ron Hovanes at Monday’s council meeting. Skaros was recognized for his act of courage on August 28, 2013 when he rescued an eight-year-old boy from a burning RV.
When Oliver Fire Chief Dan Skaros said he was just doing his job on August 28 last year, Mayor Ron Hovanes begged to differ.
And he repeated that sentiment Monday while handing Skaros a plaque of commendation from the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Fire Commissioner.
It was standing room only in council chambers, where fellow firefighters showed their support for their humble chief.
The plaque recognized Skaros for his “act of courage” in the rescue of eight-year-old Cody O’Connor from a burning motorhome in Centennial RV Park.
While trying to secure the scene and the safety of others around him, Skaros acted on a hunch and located the boy who was unconscious in the back of the RV. The fire chief reached in through the broken window and retrieved the boy who was badly burned.
O’Connor was taken off of life support at Canuck Place Children’s Hospice a couple of weeks later.
Hovanes said August 28 was an emotional day, recalling the lunch he was having with Skaros and Deputy Chief Bob Graham. Not long after, Skaros smelled smoke and saw a black plume coming from the RV park.
“Others were doing their best to take care of the scene, but they didn’t have the instincts and training,” Hovanes said.
The mayor said pulling the boy out in that situation was a brave effort. This effort allowed the family to spend a few more days with the child before he passed away.
“Dan said he was just doing his job, but many of us differ on that,” Hovanes said.
The mayor said Oliver is blessed to have such a well-trained and committed fire department.
