Nicholas Bostic: The Pizza Driver Who Saved Kids from a Burning House

Nicholas Bostic, a pizza delivery driver in Lafayette, became a hero when he saved five children from a burning house in July 2022. This brave act recently earned him the Carnegie Medal, the highest civilian honor for heroism in the U.S.

His story shows how one person’s courage and quick thinking can make a difference and change lives forever.

A Night That Changed Everything

On July 11, 2022, Nicholas Bostic was out on his usual pizza delivery shift. As he drove down Union Street in Lafayette around 12:30 a.m., he saw something alarming – a house on fire. Instead of driving by, he stopped, reversed his car, and pulled into the driveway. He knew he had to do something.

Bostic didn’t know anyone in the house, but he couldn’t ignore the situation. With no time to spare, he ran to the back of the house and went inside. As he entered, he shouted to alert anyone who might still be inside. At first, there was no answer, making him think everyone might have already escaped. But he couldn’t risk assuming that, so he decided to go in further and search the house.

Finding the Children Inside

As he climbed the stairs, Bostic finally saw four children. He didn’t know how many people were inside, but he led the four children back downstairs and toward the exit. Once they were outside, he asked if there was anyone left in the house. The children told him a 6-year-old girl was still inside.

Without a second thought, Bostic turned and went back into the burning house to find her.

Facing Flames to Save a Life

By this time, the smoke and flames were even worse. Bostic used his shirt to cover his mouth and nose to protect himself from the thick smoke. He said it felt like walking into an oven. It was hard to see anything, and the heat was overwhelming. He crawled along the ground, where the air was a little clearer, searching for the little girl.

Eventually, he found her and carried her back upstairs to escape through a window. With no other choice, he punched the window, breaking it with his hand. Then he carefully climbed out, holding the girl to shield her from the glass. He pushed himself through the window, landing on his right side, with the girl safely on his left side.

The Aftermath and Recovery

Both Bostic and the girl survived the ordeal, but he was injured. He suffered severe smoke inhalation and a deep cut on his right arm from the broken window. Paramedics rushed him to an Indianapolis hospital, where he spent a few days recovering.

This experience changed Bostic forever. It taught him about courage, compassion, and the value of helping others, even at personal risk.

Honored with the Carnegie Medal

Nicholas Bostic’s bravery did not go unnoticed. He was honored with the Carnegie Medal, awarded to civilians who risk their lives to save others. This prestigious award is given by the Carnegie Hero Fund, founded in Pittsburgh in 1904. Since then, only about 10,355 individuals have received this honor.

Bostic is one of 16 recent recipients. Some of the awards were given posthumously, recognizing people who risked or lost their lives while saving others. These heroes included four people who entered burning homes to save strangers, a man who was shot and paralyzed while trying to protect a store clerk, and a father who drowned while rescuing his young child.

The Significance of the Carnegie Medal

The Carnegie Medal is one of the highest honors for civilians in the U.S. and Canada. It recognizes individuals who show extreme courage and selflessness by entering dangerous situations to help others. Each award recipient, or their surviving family members if the act was fatal, receives a financial grant. More importantly, they are honored as role models who inspire others to act bravely and compassionately.

A Lasting Impact

Nicholas Bostic’s heroic act reminds us that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. His story inspires others to help those in need, even if it means putting themselves at risk.

FAQs: Nicholas Bostic and the Carnegie Medal

1. Who is Nicholas Bostic?

Nicholas Bostic is a pizza delivery driver from Lafayette, Indiana, who became a hero after rescuing five children from a burning house on July 11, 2022. His bravery and quick thinking saved lives and later earned him the prestigious Carnegie Medal.

2. What is the Carnegie Medal?

The Carnegie Medal is the highest civilian award for heroism in the United States and Canada. It honors individuals who risk their lives to save others in extreme danger. The Carnegie Hero Fund has awarded this medal since 1904.

3. How did Nicholas Bostic save the children?

Bostic was driving when he noticed a house on fire. He stopped his car, went inside the burning home, and led four children to safety. Upon learning that a 6-year-old girl was still inside, he re-entered the house, found her, and escaped through a broken window.

4. Did Nicholas Bostic get injured?

Yes, Bostic suffered from severe smoke inhalation and a deep cut on his right arm after punching out a window to escape. He was hospitalized for a few days to recover from his injuries.

5. How has the experience impacted Nicholas Bostic?

Bostic said the experience changed him positively. It taught him the value of courage and compassion and helped him appreciate the importance of helping others, even at personal risk.

6. Why is the Carnegie Medal significant?

The Carnegie Medal honors those who show exceptional bravery and selflessness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of helping others and recognizes those willing to put themselves at risk to save lives.

7. Are there any other stories like Bostic’s among the Carnegie Medal recipients?

Yes, the Carnegie Medal honors many heroes with incredible stories. For example, recent recipients included people who ran into burning buildings to save strangers, a man who was shot while protecting a store clerk, and a father who drowned rescuing his child.

8. Do Carnegie Medal recipients receive any financial benefits?

Yes, recipients receive a financial grant along with the medal. If the recipient passed away during their act of bravery, their family or surviving dependents receive the grant.

9. How does someone qualify for the Carnegie Medal?

To receive the Carnegie Medal, an individual must perform a heroic act that involves significant personal risk while trying to save another person’s life. The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission reviews cases and selects recipients based on the level of bravery displayed.

10. What motivated Nicholas Bostic to help?

Bostic says he acted on instinct and compassion. When he saw the fire, he felt a strong need to help, even though he didn’t know the family. His quick decision to stop and go into the burning house was a life-saving act of courage.

11. Has Nicholas Bostic shared his story publicly?

Yes, Bostic has shared his story with news outlets, explaining the events of that night and how the experience affected him. His story has inspired many people and brought attention to the importance of helping others.

12. How many people have received the Carnegie Medal?

Since the fund’s establishment in 1904, the Carnegie Medal has been awarded to around 10,355 individuals across the U.S. and Canada.

13. What is the Carnegie Hero Fund?

The Carnegie Hero Fund was established by industrialist Andrew Carnegie in 1904. Its mission is to honor and provide financial assistance to civilians who risk their lives to save others. The fund is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

14. Where can I learn more about the Carnegie Medal and its recipients?

You can learn more about the Carnegie Medal, its recipients, and the Hero Fund at the official Carnegie Hero Fund Commission website. The site includes detailed stories of past and present recipients.

15. How can I nominate someone for the Carnegie Medal?

To nominate someone for the Carnegie Medal, you can submit an application on the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission’s website. The Commission reviews each nomination to determine eligibility based on the heroism displayed in the act.