A Trousdale County couple has gotten back on their feet tonight following a devastating fire that took their home, and nearly took their lives.
Harold and Sallie Harper were at their home in Hartsville on February 13, when deputies said a grease fire started up. While Sally made it out without much trouble, Harold was having a hard time breathing – he couldn’t make it out on his own.
Harold has been battling glaucoma, and is blind.
Sgt. Joe Sullins of the Trousdale County Sheriff's office was nearby, and luckily, he saw the smoke coming from their home on Hilltop Drive.
When he arrived at the home, he went inside the burning home, and found Harold on the ground. Sullins dragged Harold out of the home, saving his life.
Monday, Harold and Sallie moved into an apartment in Gallatin, and Sullins stopped by for a visit to see how the Harpers were doing.
“I feel really fortunate to be able to live to be living, I had a really close call, and I feel real thankful that I made it out, because I didn't know was going to happen to me,” Harold Harper said.
Harper and Sullins said they were longtime friends who have known each other for decades, when they used to live near each other.
The Harpers said they plan to rebuild on their property in Hartsville. They said they hope to have the new home built in five months.
