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A former Oneonta firefighter is killed after rescuing five people from a burning home. Authorities say the blaze broke out on Walling Avenue in Oneonta on Saturday morning and John Heller went back into the apartment building to get his four nephews and his fiancée out, but wasn’t able to make it out himself. The Red Cross is providing assistance to those displaced from the home and the fire’s cause is under investigation.

Oneonta mayor Gary Herzig said, "John Heller, who lost his life in this terrible tragic early morning fire, was a true hero."

John showed a tremendous heart and a determined will in his final act, and he will always be remembered by all of us in Oneonta with much gratitude.  Our hearts go out to his parents, John and Gayle, and his entire family.

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