Shelbyville Fire Department Honored by Phillips Family
by:  Shelbyville NOW Staff

                      Phil Phillips II              Mark Phillips

January 20, 1984 was a day that forever changed the lives of Phil Phillips II and Mark Phillips.  On that January morning, at approximately 8:30 a.m. their home at 722 Alton Avenue, here in Shelbyille, caught fire and quickly filled with smoke leaving the two boys overcome by smoke inhalation.

The Shelbyville Fire Department quickly arrived on the scene to discover the two boys just inside the front door. Mark, the oldest, was six feet from the door and Phil (just two years old at the time) was ten feet from the door. The quick action of Shelbyville Firemen Johnny King, Ben Overcast, and Doug Williams saved their lives.  The boys were removed from the smoke filled home by King and Overcast.  Mark was given oxygen and was quickly stabilized but Phil was unresponsive and not breathing.  Fireman Doug Williams quickly administered mouth to mouth resucitation and the boy was revived.  City Police Officer  Randy  Adams quickly transported Phil to Bedford County General Hospital in his patrol car and Mark was transported to Bedford County General Hospital by ambulance a few minutes later.  Both of the youngsters were later moved to the Vanderbilt Burn Center where they fully recovered.


Every year at this time they both relive that day back in 1984 with a huge amount of respect and gratitude to our local heroes at the Shelbyville Fire Department.

On Saturday,  January 27 the Phillips family gathered at the City Fire Hall on Lane Parkway to honor our current firemen at SPD by thanking them for their service with a barbecue lunch and a lot of handshakes and smiles.  Mark, reflected on that day by saying "The response time of SFD saved our lives. If it had been any longer, we would not have made it out alive."  As our current crew of Firemen heard his comments, they all acknowledged that the goal of SFD is to reach every fire in the city within three to four minutes.

Pictured from right to left: Hunter Morton, Clyde Porter, Tim Dixon, Phil Phillips II, Auburne Phillips,
Mark Phillips, Nolan King (Johnny King's Grandson) ,  Clint Smotherman, Brennan Sanderts,
Chance Woods, Austin Saddler, & Austin Bruce

Watching, as this family expressed their gratitude,  you could see the pride, kindness and professionalism of our current Shelbyville Fire Department,  I can truly say without a doubt:

We are in good hands!

God Bless the men and women who serve our city and county.