02/06/2026
2/5/26- The Norwich Fire Department proudly recognizes Conner Hardaway of Milton for his quick thinking and courageous actions during a fire on his family’s farm.
On the morning of the incident, Conner, age 10, was completing his regular animal chores before school when he opened the barn doors and immediately noticed smoke rolling out of the building. Inside the barn at the time were his horse, Milo, seven goats, a peacock, and a flock of chickens.
Without hesitation, Conner ran to Milo’s pen and led him to safety. He then opened the gate to the goat pen, where flames were already climbing the wall and spreading through the hay. The goats had backed into the far corner, but Conner went in and guided them out through the gate and the front barn doors. Next, he shooed the chickens out of the barn as well.
Conner then returned inside and attempted to stomp out the flames in the hay to get the fire under control. When he realized the fire was beyond what he could safely manage, he ran to the house to alert his mother, then handed the barn kittens to his little brother, Rowan.
The fire, which was later determined to have been caused by a malfunctioning heat mat, did result in damage to the barn. However, Conner’s fast response and level-headed decision-making helped prevent the structure from being lost entirely and ensured that every animal was saved.
For his bravery, Conner is being awarded the Medal of Honor. The last time this award was presented was 15 years ago, when it was given to Gwen Pauly for helping her siblings escape a house fire by covering their faces with washcloths.
We are incredibly proud of the youth in our community and grateful for the annual Fire Safety training provided to our elementary students each October, which helps prepare them to respond in emergencies.
Way to go, Conner, and thank you for your bravery. We hope to see you serving the community in about 10 years as a member of the Norwich Fire Department, we would be proud to have you.
Conner is the son of Colton and Lindsay Hardaway of Milton; the grandson of Fire Chief Tab and Denise Turner, Monte and June Hardaway, all of Norwich, Don and Lorie Janze of Colorado, and Ardie Turner of Milton.
