WHEELING, W.Va. — Most of us finish the workday looking forward to dinner and family, and maybe time to relax and watch a favorite show. Mackenzie “Mack” Koehler had planned on delivering some diapers collected from employees for a co-worker’s newborn before taking his wife, Jamie, out for dinner. But fate had other plans for him that day, and thanks to his quick thinking and bravery, one of our neighbors did not have to face another devastating loss.
Mack, an employee of Appalachian Power in Wheeling, had just finished his shift and was walking out to his vehicle when he first noticed a female neighbor of the Service Center cutting grass. He then saw smoke coming out of the second-floor window, unbeknownst to the woman.
He did not know the residents. He did not hesitate. He just acted.
Mack rushed to help. At the same time, another neighbor alerted her of the fire. She was safe, and Mack immediately asked if anyone else was inside the home. She then shouted, “Our Oscar is inside,” progressing toward the house.
It would have been understandable -- expected, even -- for Mack to wait with the homeowner for the fire department. Instead, Mack stepped through the door of the burning house and raced up the steps. Black smoke filled the air, and Mack remembered he should stay low.
He did not go in for glory. He went in because there was a life inside that had not yet been saved.
Moments later, he felt a furry presence, scooped Oscar into his arms and turned to descend the stairs. He safely got Oscar out of the home and reunited with his owner.
Mack later discovered the woman was mowing her lawn because she had recently lost her husband. The homeowner, still reeling from grief, had already suffered enough loss. Thanks to Mack, she did not have to face the heartbreak of losing her dog, too.
This kind of compassion leaves a mark—not just because it has a happy ending but because it reminds us there are still good people in the world, willing to run toward smoke instead of away from it.
Mack is just thankful he could help, humbly stating that, “Any of the guys on the dock would have done the same thing.”