SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — It was just a typical day when Jeffery Goodwin was walking to work in his neighborhood. But the route allowed him to be in the right place at the right time on Jan. 29.
“I heard a big boom," Goodwin, who served three tours in the military, said. “I didn’t pay it much attention. I was focused on work and when I crossed the street something told me to look to the left and when I saw all the smoke and fire.”
According to South Fulton Fire officials, crews received a call about a fire at Camelot Condominiums just after 2 p.m. on that day. The complex is located in the 5000 of Old National Highway.
But before they arrived, the scene was already chaotic with people needing help.
“They didn’t have a chance," the veteran said. “Everyone was just hollering and screaming, 'Fire fire!'"
Goodwin said he was trained in search and rescue during his military years, so he didn't hesitate to jump into action.
"I was just doing my job what God called me to do - save lives," Goodwin said.
“I was able to save nine or 10 people before the fire department or police department got here," he said.
His first attempt came when he tried to run inside at the front of the building.
“I could have perished in the fire, especially when I came in the front and it caved in on me," he said as he described the scene. " I saw fire and smoke, and the wood started falling down."
That's when Goodwin said he decided to run out and go to the back.
“When I got around to the back, the lady was just about to throw one of the babies outside I sad, 'Please ma'am, don't throw that child down. I’m coming to get y'all.'"
He saw another person using a ladder to help others.
“God gave me strength to jump up there and grab hold to the tier," he said.
She lowered the woman's grandchildren - who were triplets - to him and he passed them to others who were on the ground.
"I saved the woman, her three granddaughters, her-daughter-in-law," he said as he counted the number of people he helped. "The daughter-in-law was pregnant."
"Plus, the three next door, he added. "And the guy that was on the second floor."
The Red Cross of Georgia said about 60 residents were displaced after the fire. The organization said the fire destroyed half of the 24-unit building, damaging 12 homes. It also forced power to be shut down to an additional 12 units. Fire Chief Freddie Broome said the fire resulted in $1 million in property damage.
Goodwin is glad he passed the scene on his way to work. He said the residents told him they were grateful for his help.
"God had me in the right place at the right time and I’m just grateful for it,” he said.
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