Franklin Co. man recognized with statewide award for lifesaving actions

Steven Harmeyer
Jun 29
2 min read

Barnes saved two people during a house fire in 2023

(SUNMAN, Ind.) – A Franklin County man is being recognized for his heroic actions that saved the lives of two people on May 26, 2023.

Caleb Barnes was driving to work around 3 a.m. on Horseshoe Bend Road near Penntown when he noticed something strange.

“There was a glow coming from a cabin and when I got closer I saw that their front porch was on fire,” Barnes said in 2023.

Barnes not only called 9-1-1 but took matters into his own hands. He began banging on doors and windows in an attempt to wake the occupants.

He eventually found an unlocked door, ran into the house and was able to wake the homeowners, Mike Schwier and Lisa Pierson.

“He said you got to get out, your house is on fire, and he said it just as calmly as he could,” Schwier said.

The 180-year-old cabin collapsed less than 10 minutes after Mike and Lisa safely got out.

“If Caleb wouldn’t have stopped, we wouldn't have known it was on fire and would have been asphyxiated by smoke and would have been gone,” Schwier added.

Distinguished Hoosier Award

More than two years after the fire, Caleb, Mike and Lisa were back together again during an event at Oak Forest Church of Christ on Sunday night.

Indiana State Representative Lindsay Patterson organized a ceremony to present Caleb with the Distinguished Hoosier Commendation.

The award is granted at the discretion of Governor Mike Braun and is presented to Hoosiers who have brought honor, distinction, and respect to the state.

After accepting the award, Caleb spoke to the crowd and recalled that fateful morning.

“If you look at all the details, I chalk it up to the fact that God put me there. I am so thankful he did because I was able to help two wonderful people and a very beautiful family,” Caleb

The ceremony also included a speech from Caleb’s brother, Matthew Barnes, who serves as the Indiana Statehouse Chaplain.

Listen to Caleb’s acceptance speech here:

Caleb Barnes receives Distinguished Hoosier Award

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