In a heartwarming reunion 23 years in the making, a Las Vegas man reconnected with the firefighter who rescued him from a burning building when he was just two years old. The reunion, orchestrated by the man's mother, took place over dinner in Las Vegas, where both families now reside. Even more poignant, the man, Xavier Lewis, introduced his own two-year-old son, Ezra, to the firefighter, Jeff Ohs, the man who gave him a second chance at life.
The story began in October 1999 in Long Beach, California. Ohs and his partner were on a routine inspection when they received a call about a house fire. They arrived at a single-story home with flames erupting from the back. After quickly extinguishing the main fire, Ohs decided to conduct a search of the house, despite no initial signs of anyone inside. It was during this search that he discovered a young Lewis, unresponsive and hidden beneath a pile of clothes and toys in a back bedroom.
Ohs rushed the toddler outside and performed CPR until the child showed signs of life. A neighbor, photography student Kendall Hardman, captured the dramatic rescue on camera, images that would later win awards. Lewis, suffering from smoke inhalation, was transported to the hospital and placed in a coma. Ohs stayed in close contact with the family, regularly checking on Lewis's condition. The bond between rescuer and rescued deepened when Ohs brought Lewis home from the hospital in a fire engine.
Lewis, though unable to recall the fire due to his young age, grew up knowing the story of his rescue. His mother ensured he understood the significance of Ohs's actions. Over the years, the families stayed connected, particularly during Christmas visits to Las Vegas. Now, as an adult with a family of his own, Lewis has a deeper appreciation for the gift of life he was given. The impact of the reunion has been profound, with Lewis calling Ohs his hero and expressing his desire to follow in his footsteps.
Inspired by Ohs, Lewis is currently pursuing a career as a firefighter. He has already completed wildland firefighting coursework and is planning to undergo EMT training. Lewis’s goal is to give back and potentially save another life, just as Ohs did for him. This story is a testament to the lasting impact of a selfless act and the ripple effect of a life saved.
