Not a moment's hesitation was given when Warren Officer Doug Hipple ran into a burning home on Bonnie Brae Avenue in April in an effort to save three mentally challenged women inside. But it has taken seven months of rehabilitation to get him back to work.
And even though he spent 14 years working for the city, walking through the doors Monday was a bit different.
"It was a little strange, but I am carrying on," a smiling Hipple said.
Hipple spent a month in the hospital after the fire and remains in a doctor's care.
"Still some future repairs and so forth, it will be a long road but I am glad to be back," Hipple said.
Hipple said he has no regrets. He said when he heard there were three women in the house that couldn't get out, he knew he had to act.
The Bonnie Brae home has since been torn down. No one has been arrested for the arson, but detectives said they are continuing to investigate and are following up on all leads.
Hipple has received numerous awards but none from the city of Warren. Councilman Bob Dean is hoping that will soon change.
"Well we do know he has received awards from the Mahoning Valley, some church groups, and go the key to the city of Youngstown," Dean said. "But there is no hug like a hug from your hometown and he should get that."
Dean hopes Hipple will receive an award from the city by the end of the year.
