Tempe man, Earl Dennis, to receive heroic honor

TEMPE, AZ - Usually you have to be a President or former folk hero to have a day named after you.

But next week, Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell will declare February 21st  "Earl Dennis III Day," in honor of a man who saved several lives during an apartment fire last month.

Dennis, a Parks and Recreation employee for the City of Scottsdale was walking to his car the morning of January 24th when a whiff of smoke grabbed his attention.

When he looked back, he saw the apartment building near Dorsey Lane and Broadway Road was on fire.

"I didn't think, I just jumped into action," said Dennis.

He ran around to every apartment, banging on the doors, alerting residents that they were in danger.

The entire building, and most everything in it, was a total loss, but at least 12 lives were saved.

For his actions, Dennis will get his own day in Tempe and will be honored that night at a city council meeting.

"I'm don't feel like a hero, I'm just Earl Dennis," he said.

And that's just what you would expect a hero to say. Congrats Earl!