Two citizens credited with waking their neighbours as their home was engulfed in flames were recognized as Good Samaritans at Brighton council Monday night.
As previously reported, back on March 17, 2025, a family of five – including a mom, grandma, and three young children – escaped their burning home with just the clothes they had on after a vehicle fire spread to their house on Chapel Street during the early morning hours.
The blaze ravaged the home, with initial reports indicating damage could be in the $350,000 range. In the weeks that followed, the community rallied with support and donations looking to help the family rebuild after the devastating loss of their home.
On Monday, May 5, 2025, Mayor Brian Ostrander and council publicly recognized the bravery of Matthew Schonauer and Joel Dempster, while Ostrander also presented formal certificates of appreciation to the two individuals.
“We are deeply grateful to two members of the public who acted as Good Samaritans on the day that the Chapel Street fire broke out,” said Ostrander, while delivering his public presentation that kicked off council’s regular meeting.
He then went on to credit Dempster and Schonauer “for their incredible bravery and selflessness in waking their neighbours after noticing that their house had become engulfed in flames.”
“Their quick thinking and willingness to put others first exemplifies the very best of Brighton, and while we don’t encourage people to run into burning buildings, we are certainly grateful that you put yourselves second to others and your acts of courage like this are reminders of the importance of looking out for one another as good friends and neighbours do – but also, we remind everyone to be cautious when they see an engulfed fire and please call 911.
“Thank you, Joel and Matthew, for your extraordinary actions, you have our deepest respect and appreciation.”
Back on the day of the fire, Chief Gene Thompson did say nearby neighbours alerted and woke up the family, helping to ensure “everyone escaped uninjured.” Thompson also said all smoke alarms were working on all levels of the home.
Northumberland OPP confirmed paramedics took two nearby persons to a local hospital as a precaution that day.
Emergency crews received the call at about 1:55 a.m. that Monday, March 17 – they – including a contingent of 19 firefighters and OPP – remained on the scene well into the day, including for on-site investigation.
A Northumberland OPP spokesperson on Monday, May 5 said their investigation into the fire is still ongoing. Police are continuing to ask if anyone has any information relating to this investigation to reach out to investigators or Crime Stoppers, which is an anonymous option.
As previously reported, the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office (OFM) was contacted but notified for consultation only, and investigators didn’t attend the scene. However, OPP forensic identification services did respond to the scene.
As Ostrander concluded his presentation, he noted: “It feels like we should go on and on because of what you’ve done,” he told Dempster and Schonauer. “It’s incredible when one acts selflessly in order to save the lives of people in a home – so, just thank you, thank you very much.
“No one was hurt as a result of your actions, so good work, and again, don’t run into burning buildings, people – but, well done, gentlemen. (It’s) hard to give that message – it’s a Catch-22.”
This was the latest information available at press deadline.