Student Who Alerted Ross Family to Fire Honored as Hometown Hero

Paul Shields was one of five 2013 Hometown Heroes honored at the Lexus Club at PNC Park on March 7. The program, sponsored by KDKA Radio and hosted by Larry Richert, seeks to recognize Pittsburgh area men and women who make a significant contribution to their hometown . The program also supports the Wounded Warrior Project. 

It was shortly before 8 a.m. on the Friday after Thanksgiving when Shields noticed smoke coming from behind his neighbor's home across the street at 125 Lilac Avenue.

"Paul is a hero. That's all there is to it," said Heyl a few days after the fire. "The kid saved our lives. Thank God he was home from school and was able to wake us up. I can't say enough about him."

Shields was awarded a plaque from Ross Township and a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives  in December.

Each Hometown Hero is given $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice. Shields chose Thon, Penn State's Dance Marathon, which raises money to conquer pediatric cancer.

Shields is a North Hills High School graduate and a junior at Penn State, majoring in mechanical engineering.

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