The Apex Police Department honored Joshua McMillian, 33, with a "Chief's Coin" after he alerted a neighbor about a fire at his home. Homeowner Allan Lamy, who goes by Al, said McMillian saved his life.
The fire was reported after 4:30 Sunday morning, Apex Fire Chief Keith McGee said.
McMillian was getting home from his overnight job as a security guard at Noir Bar & Lounge in Raleigh. He said he was about to go to sleep when he heard a loud noise.
"I hear a loud bang so I look out of my window," McMillian said. "And I realize that my neighbor's yard is completely on fire. His fence, backyard, everything."
McMillian ran to Lamy's home on Harbor Haven Drive and knocked on his door.