Sanders, Phillips recognized for heroic actions in house fire rescue

Published 1:37 pm Wednesday, March 15, 2023

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By Carey Reeder | Staff Writer

Two local heroes were honored for their actions of heroism at the Chilton County Commission meeting on March 14. In February, Colton Sanders and James Phillips were on their way to school when their truck broke down. The two boys returned home to get a different way to school. When they came past Doyle Robinson’s house the second time, it was engulfed in flames.

The two boys sprang into action, rushing to the burning house and observed Robinson, who is paralyzed, trying to escape through the back door. They pulled Robinson from the house to a safe distance and called emergency services to assist him and put out the fire.

“That is really a God-type thing that they were in that position,” Chilton County Sheriff John Shearon said.

At the meeting, Shearon presented Sanders and Phillips with a proclamation from the Alabama State Senate by Sen. April Weaver, Sen. Clyde Chambliss, Rep. Van Smith and Rep. Russell Bedsole. Shearon read the proclamation and presented both boys with a copy.

“James and Colton are greatly thanked and appreciated for their quick and heroic response, steadfast bravery and unwavering selflessness,” the proclamation stated. “Now therefore, be it resolved by the Senate of Legislature of Alabama that James Phillips and Colton Sanders are highly commended for a heroically saving a man from a burning house, and we hereby dedicate this resolution to two brave heroes with the utmost gratitude, admiration and regard.”

Shearon also presented the two boys with a plaque from himself and the Chilton County community commemorating their heroic actions.

“Doyle Robinson is alive today because of the heroic efforts of James Phillips and Colton Sanders,” the plaque said.

Both Sanders and Phillips attended Chilton County High School.