Jay Barban's absolutely amazing weekend

Saturday was some kind of day for Jay Barban.

Before most SooToday.com readers had even thought about waking up, the young employee of Northeast Regional Security had already saved five lives.

In two separate fires!

Barban's amazing day of saving people from burning buildings started around 3 a.m., when he was patrolling near the 100 block on Cambridge Place.

Spotting smoke coming from a duplex there, he called 911, woke up a neighbour, then ran to the house and yelled and banged on the door until the tenants were aware of the fire.

When firefighters got there, they helped the three adults out of the house.

Jay helped with caring for them until paramedics arrived.

Needless to say, local firefighters were very appreciative of Barban's efforts there.

Wait, there's more....

The Sault Ste. Marie Professional Fire Fighters Association was planning a Saturday-night dinner to recognize two retiring members, Captain Barry Caverly and Captain Zeno Kucyk.

So Jay was invited as an honourary guest, as a thank-you for his brave and compassionate efforts.

They invited his girlfriend Abby, too.

And when Barban got to the dinner, he had an amazing story to tell.

Had to talk to someone

It turns out that after his shift ended and Jay returned home around 5 a.m., he found himself rather wound up and needing to talk to someone.

He checked on his roommate, who wasn't home.

So at 5:30 a.m, Barban decided to unload his feelings on his parents in Newmarket, north of Toronto.

He dialed their number.

It took several rings before his mother came to the phone.

And when she did answer, her first words were that she had to get out of the house immediately because it was on fire!

Recommended for commendation by both police and fire

Says Murray McGrath of the firefighters association: "His need to share his eventful shift, also saved the lives of his parents!"

Both local firefighters and the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service are nominating Barban for special commendations.

Meanwhile, guests at Saturday night's retirement dinner included MP Carmen Provenzano, MPP David Orazietti, Mayor John Rowswell, Ward 2 Councillor Terry Sheehan and Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association President Fred LeBlanc.

Barry and Zeno

To see Barry Caverly hob-nobbing with Murray McGrath, click here.

To see Zeno Kucyk, click here.