Perryville's hero

Tales about heroes are usually so incredible that few people think such persons even exist in today's world -- except, maybe, in movies and cartoons.

But a Perry County couple encountered a real-life hero recently who saved them from a fire and put himself at risk in the process.

The amazing story of Fred and Kathleen Reinwald's rescue isn't likely to make a television movie, but it's a good story nonetheless.

Merle Nipper, the Reinwald's neighbor, stopped by to return a cap and found the Reinwald home filled with smoke. He went inside to find the couple trapped in the basement.

It took seven trips inside the house before Nipper could get the couple to safety. Flames had built up and the smoke was heavy by the time firefighters responded to the blaze.

Fire officials with the East Perry County Rural Fire Department extinguished the fire and saved the house.

Though the department doesn't recommend anyone rush into a burning building like Nipper did, everyone is happy the couple's lives were spared.

The fire chief said that given the circumstances, he might have done the same thing.

Nipper insists he isn't a hero and that the designation should go to the firefighters who responded to the 911 call. Maybe he doesn't want the attention, but he deserves the appreciation and thanks of the community for his valiant efforts.