Ostend (Brussels Morning Newspaper): In April 2023, Tijs Houwen, a firefighter, and Nico Serlez rescued an elderly couple from a fire in Ostend. On 12th September they received medals from the Carnegie Hero Fund for their bravery.
In April 2023, a fire broke out in an apartment building on Nieuwpoortsesteenweg in Ostend. Most residents managed to escape, but an elderly couple was trapped inside. Without hesitation, Nico Serlez and Tijs Houwen entered the smoke-filled building to rescue them.
What actions earned Tijs Houwen and Nico Serlez the Carnegie medal?
Amid the chaos, Nico and Tijs find the elderly couple and help them escape the dangerous situation. They risked their safety to guide the couple out. Because of their quick actions, the couple was unharmed. It has been said that their bravery saved lives and earned them praise for stepping up when needed most.
A firefighter Tijs with 13 years of experience, was off duty but knew how to help. He quickly carried a woman in a wheelchair out of the burning building while Nico assisted her husband. Tijs said they had to act fast because the fire was getting worse. He noted that it might have been too late if they had waited just five more minutes, as it was one of the last chances to enter the building safely.
Ministry of the Interior recognized their brave actions as heroic and decided to reward them. They received a medal and a diploma from the Carnegie Hero Fund. The awards were presented on 12th September Saturday at the town hall in Ostend, where they were honored again. Tijs stated, “This recognition is special to me. If I had been a firefighter, I wouldn’t have received it.”
