Hero runs into fire twice, helps save six

The brave 22-year-old Richmond Hill man who helped rescue a family from their burning apartment was going to be a New York City firefighter.
James Kelley, who was visiting his mom at La Cantina, the Jamaica Avenue pizzeria where she works, said he saw police cars on Monday, January 14 and decided to investigate.
“I walked outside to see what was going on and I heard screams,” he said. “I saw teenagers screaming out the window.”
After a local businessperson produced a fire extinguisher, Kelley took it from him and ran into the burning three-story building at 110-17 Jamaica Avenue.
“It [the fire extinguisher] ran out and I went outside,” said the hero. “By that time the cops were there and I went back in with an officer [P.O. Joe Amato from the 102nd Precinct]. We started knocking on doors. He told me to grab whomever I could.”
Kelley said that on the second floor, he grabbed a baby from a teenage girl’s arms; Amato grabbed the other baby and the two ushered the family - the mother and two teens — from the burning building.
When they got safely outside, Kelley said they realized there was still a woman inside on the third floor.
“She wanted to jump,” he said. “But we kept her calm and she waited for the firefighters.”
According to fire officials, the blaze, which began at 3:24 p.m., was under control by 3:49. Six people from the building were taken to Jamaica Hospital with minor injuries.
The rescuer told The Courier Sun candidly, “Once [Amato] was with me I felt a little better. I do not know what made me go in there, but I did. I was not thinking about the fire or the smoke. All I was thinking about was getting people out.”
Not concerned for his own safety, he continued, “I’d rather a baby be safe than me. If I see someone who needs help I have to help.”
His proud mom Susan told The Courier Sun, “I saw him covered with soot and he said, ‘I just saved a baby and a family.’”
Susan went on to say that, her son - the youngest of nine - has always been helpful and generous.
Once home, Kelley said he felt a little weak and headachy, but was told he’s going to be fine.
The day after his heroic deed, Kelley went back to the scene.
“The family had lights on already,” he said.
As for his dreams of being a firefighter, Kelley said, “I want to start my own business, but I’m thinking about it now.”