Keyport's real-life heroes come to rescue for family On Feb. 5, tragedy struck - a fire broke out in my family's house. It all happened so fast. All we had time to do was go downstairs and leave the house after we heard the smoke alarm go off. The entire house filled with smoke within seconds. My daughter called 911 while I went back in to the house to see if I could save our umbrella cockatoo from a back room off our kitchen. Unfortunately, that's where the fire broke out. I opened the door and the entire room was up in flames and smoke poured out. Our bird sadly was already gone. I shut the door and went back outside. A Keyport police officer was there within one minute and asked me if everybody was out of the house. I informed him yes, except my two cats were still in there but I couldn't find them when I went back in. Within three minutes the first fire engine showed up and asked me in what part of the house the fire was. More fire engines showed up and they had the fire extinguished within 10 minutes. They all risked their lives to save our home and our cats. Until you witness a life-threatening situation these firemen face every time these real-life heroes show up to a fire, you'll never really understand what kind of bravery they all possess. They searched my entire house until they found my cats and brought them out to me, shaken up - but safe. Every fireman and policeman was kind, compassionate, caring and understanding. I can't even begin to tell you how thankful we are. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers every day from this day on. I would also like to thank all of my neighbors that braved the frigid cold and stood outside with me and offered me all the support I desperately needed at a very tragic time in my life. A very special thanks to Kelly Applegate. Terry Smith Keyport