A Sailor assigned to aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) was presented with the South Kitsap Fire and Rescue Certificate of Commendation, July 14, for acts of heroism displayed June 14.

Chief Machinist's Mate (nuclear) Richard A. Coleman rescued three Port Orchard, Washington, residents from a burning home and transported them to a local hospital for care.

Coleman saw an eerie glow coming from behind a residential home while on his way home from the airport. Upon further review Coleman discovered the backside of the house was on fire. He ran around to the front of the house and his instincts took over from there.

"I was curious to go see what that light over the bridge was, and it turns out that my curiosity was useful," said Coleman.

His quick actions allowed him to notify the homeowners and gave them time to escape the building.

"There were no working smoke detectors," said Deputy Chief Guy Dalrymple of South Kitsap Fire and Rescue. "He saved three lives by getting to these folks."

Coleman's certificate of commendation reflected on his actions that day and reads as follows:

"Your alertness and initiative helped save the lives of three people, but his compassion did not end there. You also provided them shelter from the elements and transported them to a local hospital for follow-up care in your personal vehicle.

Your quick actions on this day reflect great credit upon yourself, your family, and your command and have earned the appreciation of South Kitsap Fire and Rescue and its citizens."

Even after receiving the award, Coleman remains humble about his actions.

"Whenever anyone asks, I tell them I'm not a hero," said Coleman. "I just did what any other person would have done," said Coleman. "I know that what I did wasn't heroic, but I helped. I, Richard Coleman, a nuclear machinist's mate, assigned to USS Nimitz (CVN 68), helped. Any other person would have done the same thing as I did, but instead it was me. I was the one who was in the right place at the right time with the right sense of curiosity. I helped."

Coleman's actions reflect the Navy's core values of honor, courage, and commitment, and he is determined to show those core values through his actions while in the Navy.

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