Jacksonville Review – June 2024

ON MAY 7, Mayor Donna Bowen presented a very special Certificate of Bravery to Adrian McCully for keeping his neighbors safe from harm during the March 19 3-alarm house fire in the “Whippleville” neighborhood of Jacksonville.

The beautiful collection of homes designed and built by Roger Whipple, who lost his home in the fire, is affectionately and aptly referred to as “Whippleville.”

Adrian, a resident of this neighborhood, noticed the flames and immediately called 911 to report the fire. He quickly ran outside to notify his neighbors by going door-to-door and telling them to evacuate.

John Tackitt was one of the neighbors whom Adrian alerted. John, who moved to Jacksonville due to the loss of his home in the November 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California, spoke during the presentation of the certificate. He expressed deep gratitude to his new friend Adrian for his swift action. John’s guest house was destroyed by the fire and his vehicle damaged by the flames.

In Adrian’s very articulate and admirable acceptance speech he explained that he is deaf and that his disability makes some things harder for him. His words and actions are inspirational testimony to his exceptional capabilities.

Thank you, Adrian for your exemplary character and citizenship.