Five men get heroes’ welcome

Lisa Snedeker

Wednesday, April 7, 1999 | 10:30 a.m.

Five men were honored by the city of Henderson Tuesday for their quick actions that saved the life of an 8-year-old girl last month after she caught fire while pumping gasoline.

Ray Phifer, Albert Smith, Mike Childrey, Rick Paul and Ken Cosby were the first ever to receive heroism awards from the city, said City Manager Phil Speight. He said the program was implemented in January.

Alexis Canfora was pumping gas into her parents' car on March 16 at the Mighty-Mart convenience store, 234 Arroyo Grande Blvd., when Phifer spotted flames coming from the car.

Phifer said he used his windshield visor to help Alexis' father, Alex Canfora, extinguish the burning girl. The other four men, employees at Hanson Aggregates, a nearby gravel pit, pushed the burning car away from the gas pump and retrieved fire extinguishers from their job site to douse the car.

"Their quick actions and courage helped save our precious girl," said Canfora, whose burned hands were still wrapped in bandages. While he requested privacy for his family, Canfora expressed appreciation for the public outpouring of support.

Alexis, who suffered burns on 50 percent of her body, is reported to be in stable condition at University Medical Center.

Mayor Jim Gibson said the actions of the five men contradict stories about people who don't want to get involved in others' troubles.

"They reacted without thinking," he said. "I know our city is full of people like this."