(KNZA)--A Hiawatha firefighter has been recognized for exemplary service in the line of duty.

Fire Chief Gary Shear presented a certificate to Cory Lay during Monday evening’s Hiawatha City Commission meeting in recognition of his actions during a fire at the Pemberton Village Apartments on North 1st Street in the early morning hours of January 28th.

At great risk to himself, Shear says Lay assisted residents in their escape from the burning structure.

Shear said Lay did what all volunteer firefighters are trained to do, he responded to the call from his fellow citizens.   At his own peril, Shear said Lay helped evacuate residents from a very dangerous situation, and did so without any thought of fame or fortune.

The fire in apartment building D started from a hallway heater and spread through the roof.   

When firefighters arrived, flames were visible coming out of the roof on the west side of the building.

A second fire was reported in the same building the evening of January 28th.  It was confined to one apartment and was blamed on wiring.  .