14 May 2008

Cocrane receives White House flag

Congressman Virgil Goode presented a flag that was flown over the White House to Tim Cocrane, the Longwood student who entered a burning house in March 2007 to alert the residents and help two of them escape.

Timothy Cocrane, the Longwood University student who entered a burning house in March 2007 to alert the residents and help three of them escape, recently met with Congressman Virgil Goode who presented him with a flag that was flown over the White House.

“Timothy Cocrane exhibited tremendous courage in risking his own life to save others, and I am pleased that he has been recognized for his bravery,” said Goode.

Cocrane, a junior athletic training major from Herndon, Va., was walking in the neighborhood the morning of the fire when he saw smoke and fire emanating from the house at 305 First Avenue in Farmville. He broke into the house, alerted the residents, and helped Daniel Yates, Scott Freer, and Samantha Fulton escape. Two other residents of the house, Edward Cunningham and Byron Jamerson, died in the fire.

In recognition of his heroism, Longwood President Patricia Cormier awarded Cocrane free annual tuition until he graduates. “His praises should be sung loud and clear,” she said.