Last week, the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners honored Lamonta Stroud age 18 and Richard Slater as hero.

We couldn’t agree more. The brothers put their own lives in jeopardy as they attempted to save young members of the Glass family, who tragically lost their lives in a house fire.

We don’t know what is in the heart of people who try against all odds and even put their lives at stake to help their fellow man, but we know that these two brothers have it in an overflowing measure.

The response is usually the same from every person who is declared a hero for their selfless act: "I'm not a hero. I just did what anyone else would have done." We know for certain that not everyone would have the courage to attempt a resue with a house engulfed in flames.

The character of our community is measured by heroes such as these.

Rockdale is a giving and caring community Lamonta and Richard are a major part of the fabric that makes it that way.