Heroic Neighbors Rescue Children from Burning Duplex

In a remarkable display of bravery and quick thinking, a Davenport, Iowa couple saved the lives of three children trapped in a burning duplex. Dan Freitag and Joeanna Moore, who were enjoying a quiet evening at their local hangout, sprang into action when they noticed the flames engulfing their neighbor's home, ultimately becoming heroes in the eyes of their community.

Courageous Couple Risked Everything to Save Young Lives

Awakened by the Flames, a Frantic Call for Help

The morning of the incident began like any other for Joeanna Moore, who happened to glance out the window of her Davenport home around 5 a.m. to a startling sight – flames were erupting from the neighboring duplex. Without hesitation, Moore alerted her fiancé, Dan Freitag, to the emergency unfolding just steps away. Springing into action, the couple immediately dialed 911 and Freitag rushed to the burning building.

Heroic Leap of Faith: Catching Children from the Window

As Freitag approached the duplex, he could hear the desperate cries of children trapped on the second floor. Realizing the urgency of the situation, he began banging on the doors, attempting to rouse the occupants. When no one responded, Freitag knew he had to take drastic measures. "I yelled up to them," he recounted. "Hey, can you guys get out? Can you get out? And they said, 'No, there's no way out.'" Without a moment's hesitation, Freitag instructed the children to jump, promising to catch them as best he could.One by one, the 15-year-old sibling helped the younger 11- and 8-year-olds out the window, and they each took the perilous leap into Freitag's waiting arms. "As soon as I heard him screaming...my first, you know, thought was get them out of there," Freitag said. "How am I going to get them out, you know? And, yeah, just told them to jump and I'd catch them."

Aftermath: Injuries, Investigations, and Reflections

The Davenport Fire Department responded to the 911 call within minutes, but Freitag and Moore's quick actions had already saved the children from the rapidly spreading flames. The three siblings, aged 15, 11, and 8, were transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. The 15-year-old, however, required further treatment in Iowa City, with his current condition remaining unknown.As the couple reflected on the harrowing events of the morning, they acknowledged the impact of their previous experience with disaster. Both Freitag and Moore had been present during the collapse of the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere, Illinois, which occurred during a tornado in March 2023. This prior exposure to crisis situations may have contributed to their ability to remain calm and take decisive action in the face of the Davenport fire."I'm thankful that we're both pretty levelheaded," Moore said. "And know how to handle an emergency, and are able to help other people when it matters."The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the Davenport community has rallied around Freitag and Moore, hailing them as heroes for their selfless and courageous actions. Their quick thinking and willingness to put themselves in harm's way to save the lives of their young neighbors have left an indelible mark on the city, serving as a testament to the power of compassion and the human spirit in the face of adversity.