Two men who ran into a burning building and rescued people received a “Hero Award” by the Nesquehoning VFW Post 8008 during the organization’s annual “Loyalty Day” program Sunday. Nesquehoning Mayor Thomas Kattner and borough resident Robert Watkins were honored.

Kattner wasn’t present to receive the award because of a medical emergency with his dog.

Craig Strohl, post commander, presented the awards.

Both awards were as a result of actions during a devastating house fire on Catawissa Street in Nesquehoning on April 18.

The mayor’s sister, Christa Acciarito, said Kattner “went into a burning home and pulled out a child.”

Strohl said Kattner went to the second floor to rescue the child, then carried the youngster out of the burning building. So smoky was the fire that Kattner vomited blood afterward.

Both sides of a double-home were ablaze.

Watkins “heard people screaming for help,” said Strohl. He then ran into the building from where he carried an elderly woman to safety. “He was exposed to fire and inhaled a large amount of smoke,” Strohl said.

“They’re both Nesquehoning heroes as far as I’m concerned,” said Roderick Bliss, senior vice commander of the post.

The “Hero Award” was one of two plaques presented to Watkins.

He also was given a “Business Loyalty Award” for his service to the VFW Post. He is the owner of A&W Plumbing and Heating in Nesquehoning.

Strohl said Watkins responded to the post during the winter when a pipe exploded inside the structure.

There were several other awards presented by Strohl during the Loyalty Day Program:

• Cheri Santore - Auxiliary member of the Year.

• Roderick Bliss - Post Loyalty Award.

• Anthony Paul, an electrician - Business Loyalty Award.

• Keith Gogal - Social Member of the Year.

• Johnna Weaver - Post Loyalty Award.