Local labor leader saves neighbors from fire

By Sheri Williams

Sacramento Central Labor Council board member Robert Longer was honored in January by the Sacramento City Council for saving his elderly neighbors from a house fire.

“This is the definition of courage and heroism, and the kind of selfless service for the sake of others that comes naturally to leaders in our labor movement,” said SCLC head Fabrizio Sasso. “We could not be more proud of Robert and the example he sets for all of us.”

In November, Longer was at home when a fire started in the garage of a married couple in their 70s, Rob and Helen, who lived across the street.

Longer, still wearing slippers, ran to help, finding Rob in the front yard. Learning that Helen was still inside, Longer said he put a doormat over his head and ran into the burning building at least six times before he was able to locate the woman and drag her outside.

“I just went into the house,” Longer told media at the scene. “The smoke was overwhelming, and the heat was so intense.”

Sacramento Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes presented Longer with a resolution at the Jan. 21 City Council meeting, calling Longer a “hero in our neighborhood.”

“We are so grateful for Robert’s bravery and the efforts of our firefighters and first responders who worked together to ensure everyone’s safety that night,” Talamantes added in a social media post. “Sacramento is lucky to have such remarkable individuals in our community.”

The Sacramento Fire Department said while it does not encourage people to put themselves in danger, Longer likely saved the woman’s life.

“Without the aid of Robert, things would have turned out a lot worse for sure,” said Sacramento Deputy Fire Chief Mike Taylor during the meeting. “Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary and that’s what he did that day.”

Longer said that running inside might not have been the safest course of action, but he didn’t think of that.

“It’s all about community and taking care of each other,” Longer said. “When there is a chance to help out, I guess we just do what we have to do in the moment.”