A Rescue of Incredible Magnitude

It was the compelling pleas of 56 year-old Sherra Cox that convinced Shannon to take action.

Cox was trapped under the top two floors of a three story apartment building that could collapse even further at any moment. To make matters worse, the building across the street was already ablaze, and the smell of gas lingered in the air. With chainsaw in hand and determination in mind,

Shannon began to tunnel his way through to Cox. It was Shannon's reassuring promise of rescue that kept Cox calm throughout the ordeal. When he reached her, she was so relieved, she refused to let go of his hand.

As Cox was loaded into the ambulance, she smiled through the pain of a crushed hip and leg and graciously dubbed the soot-covered Shannon a hero.

Some might say that life is too precious to risk, but the humble, hero Shannon would just say it helps you realize the value of your own.

Follow these links to learn more
about Gerry Shannon:

Loma Prieta Ten Years Later
The Inside Box: