Editor's note: Seventeenth in a series of stories on the people, places and events that made news in the region in 2008.
TRAVERSE CITY -- Mark Lyon remains modest when asked about his actions on a cold morning nearly a year ago.
Lyon, a Traverse City police officer, rushed into a burning house Jan. 17 and helped lead two occupants to safety. His actions drew praise and media attention, but he won't dub himself a hero.
"After the fact, everybody kind of made a big deal about it, but I just feel that I was doing my job," he said this week. "I was in a position to help, and I did."
The seven-year department veteran was only blocks away when he was called to the structure at 143. E. Eighth St., and a significant portion was in flames by the time he arrived. The house contained five apartments leased by the Foundation for Mental Health, an organization that helps homeless, mentally ill and low-income people.
Seven people were inside when the fire broke out, and one sustained burns on his arm. All but two were out by the time Lyon arrived.
Officials later determined the house caught fire when one resident fell asleep on the couch while smoking, Lyon said.
Fire gutted the house and it eventually was demolished. Its occupants were relocated to other areas in and around the city, Lyon said, and he's had contact with a few since the fire.
Lyon, 34, received a lifesaving citation for his efforts and praise from his friends and family.
"People who knew me or saw it in the paper or on the news kind of went out of their way to congratulate me and say 'Good job,'" he said. "And all of the guys and gals at work thought it was pretty neat, too."
It's not often an officer gets the chance to have such a direct impact, Lyon said.
"I've been a police officer for over 10 years, and that's never happened to me. It's pretty rare that you're able to have that ... opportunity to help," he said. "Usually, we get there after the fact."
A new apartment building is going up at the same site, and Foundation for Mental Health plans to lease units, Executive Director Carol Moorman said. Police, the American Red Cross and other organizations were helpful during the fire and its aftermath, she said.
"We are extremely grateful when the community steps up and does the kind of things that need to be done to help people in an emergency," she said.
Traverse City Police brass were proud of Lyon's actions, Capt. Steve Morgan said.
"The fact that one of our officers was faced with this type of situation and acted as he did reflected the fact that we have top quality people working for (our department)," he said. "Mark Lyon is an extremely fine officer."
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