World

Billy Cretan a Hero After Saving a Boy From Bronx Fire (Video)

by Amy Judd | October 1, 2009 at 09:51 am

6433 views | 20 Recommendations | 13 comments

Billy Cretan from the Bronx is being called a hero today after saving four-year-old Christopher Ramcharran who was trapped in a burning building.

Watch the rescue on video

Billy Cretan saw flames and smoke rising from the building near the store he owns and said his instincts just took over.

"I kicked in gear, put the ladder down and went upstairs and I did the best I could," he told WCBS TV's Katherine Brown.

When Billy climbed up the fire escape he saw Christopher choking on smoke and he used his body to shield the boy as he carried him down. As soon as Ramcharran was down on the ground he was given oxygen and he is doing well.

1 See all footage | View Slideshow

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Travis Carr (not verified)

at 10:17 on October 1st, 2009

Great story we need to here more good news like this.

Dan Riley (not verified)

at 11:11 on October 1st, 2009

Way to go Billy Cretan!

Cynthia Rabbett (not verified)

at 11:40 on October 1st, 2009

We need more men like this in our world! way to go Billy Creatan! Its not about being a hero its about doing the right thing! God bless you!

t. bennett (not verified)

at 12:46 on October 1st, 2009

Heartwarming story. Watched it on FOX this morning and got a little choked up myself.(I'm 62 yr old male). The front pages of our papers should be filled with these type of headlines instead of where Obama is going next, or all the negatives going on. I am not a religious man, but God Bless You Billy, and You are a hero in my world. T Bennett 100% disabled Viet-Nam Veteran

Jennifer Behrmann (not verified)

at 12:50 on October 1st, 2009

Thanks for letting us know that there are still people in the world like you out there!

Jennifer Behrmann (not verified)

at 12:53 on October 1st, 2009

Hey Billy thanks for letting us know that there are people like you still out there!!!

wishwell (not verified)

at 13:32 on October 1st, 2009

Now THIS is what newspapers should headline. We know people die, let's know the people who LIVE.

JPS (not verified)

at 13:38 on October 1st, 2009

Beautiful story, Nice to hear good news for a change, The mayor should give this man an award of somekind, Would be a nice gesture & maybe more good samaritans will emerge ... P.S. - Only one little detail on your story was wrong ... This all happened in the Bronx, NY ... Not Brooklyn ... Ooops !

patgarcia

at 15:09 on October 1st, 2009

WOW! Great news. Too bad the video is not available anymore.

Amy Judd

at 15:14 on October 1st, 2009

oh yeah :(

You can still watch it via the link on CBS.

Diane Huseman (not verified)

at 15:10 on October 1st, 2009

Wow I am so impressed by this man. I was in a limo in 2005 and it was rear-ended by a drunk driver. It caught fire immediately -Our driver ran from the car as fast as he could. My husband and I were left to get out by ourselves. Our doors were locked and my seatbelt had malfunctioned in the accident. By the time my husband got the back door open by kicking it and got me out -I had third degree burns over most of my body. If the limo driver had helped us I am sure I would not have been burned so severely. So anyone who thinks it is a natural reaction to help someone in dire need is so wrong. I could not have watched a dog burn to death, yet alone a human. So I just want Mr Cretan to know that you are my hero. You restore my faith in humans. Thank you Mr Cretan

Amy Judd

at 15:14 on October 1st, 2009

Thank you for sharing your story - glad you are ok!

Sean M. (not verified)

at 22:33 on October 1st, 2009

Billy, WELL DONE SIR! I am a Marine, no longer active, and saw many act of heroism and gallantry in battle. It is amazing to see a Human go to those lengths for another. I hold you up for all to see, THIS is what WE as a RACE, a SPECIES a GENUS ARE KNOWN FOR! We are humans. There are those among us, who are 'just a lil bit more equal' for you Orwell fans. They aren't the richest, nor the best looking. They are B.Cretan, Capt.Sullenberger, and countless others among us. They look not on your skin, nor your status.They look and see another human, in need...I hope my kids are as strong of spirit as you Billy. Sean Michaels11th MEU 2/4 'Magnificent bastardsDO WORK SON!