Chancery honored for heroic efforts

On Nov. 2, 2022 Pineview Volunteer Fire Chief Dakota Chancery put his own life in jeopardy to pull a woman from a burning vehicle. Last week he was recognized for his heroics by receiving an Alabama House of Representatives resolution commending him for his actions.

State Rep. Alan Baker spearheaded the resolution, which was presented to Chancery by former volunteer fireman and current County Commissioner Larry White during last week's meeting of the Escambia County Firefighters Association's meeting in Brewton.

Chancery, 32, is a 2009 graduate of Flomaton High School and works full time with Mobile Fire and Rescue, where he works 24 hours on and 48 hours off. On his off days he serves as a volunteer with the Pineview Volunteer Fire Department as the department's chief.

Chancery wasn't scheduled to be at the Pineview fire station about 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 2, 2022 but was and heard the 911 call about a single-vehicle crash on Foshee Road. The call stated there was entrapment and the vehicle was 'smoking'.

Chancery was the first emergency responder on the scene, but noted there were bystanders trying to help the victim. He said the vehicle was on its side and had to be stabilized before trying to free the trapped woman. A fire then began inside the vehicle with Leandra Corey Morgan trapped inside.

Chancery entered the burning vehicle and dragged Morgan toward the rear. He said Deon Morgan was standing outside the back window and was able to drag the victim away from the vehicle shortly before it was engulfed by flames.

At the time of the incident, Chancery said the stars were lined up for Leandra Morgan: It began when motorist Angie Layton dialed 911 and flagging down other motorists to help and the fact that Chancery was at the fire station, noting he was supposed to have left two hours earlier.

"She's lucky," Chancery said at the time. "There were people there at the right time.Another 3 minutes she would have been trapped inside."