A Hero at Ecumen-Managed Colonial Manor Balaton Receives National Honor

Matt Schons, who works as a cook for the food service at Ecumen-managed Colonial Manor Balaton in Balaton, Minn., ran into a burning house after a gas explosion and saved the life of a two-year-old girl in September 2012.  Last week, he was awarded the Carnegie Medal of Civilian Heroism.  The prestigious medal is given throughout the United States and Canada to those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others. Only 22 medals were awarded this year.

The girl he saved was the daughter of a staff member at the care center and the granddaughter of Matt’s boss.

“Matt is really a great guy,” said Colonial Manor Balaton Administrator Chuck Ness. “We have a bona fide hero in our midst. This is a really big deal.”

Fox 9 News tells the story in this video:

KMSP-TV