It takes special individuals to exceed expectations when thrust into the line of fire.

Two such men, firefighter Stephen Ebbert and Lt. Scott Smith of the Lehighton Fire Department, did just that earlier this year, and on Tuesday were recognized for their valiant efforts.

Ebbert and Smith were among nine first responders lauded by Valley Preferred Spirit of Courage Awards during the 13th annual celebration held at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg.

Specifically, Ebbert and Smith were acknowledged for risking their lives to save two individuals from a fire after they entered a burning apartment building filled with gasoline on Main Road in Weissport back in January.

When firefighters arrived at the apartment house engulfed in flames, they learned there was a victim trapped in the basement where the fire started. Multiple motorcycles and gas tanks stored in the basement had created a fuel fire that was difficult to extinguish.

Smith and Ebbert ran through a wall of fire, found the unconscious victim under a tarp in the smoke and fire-filled room, and brought him out to the waiting EMS crew.

If that wasn’t enough, Smith and Ebbert then went back into the fully engulfed building and located another victim on the second floor.

Despite the heroic efforts of the firefighters, both victims perished.

Read the full story in tomorrow’s Times News.