A little after 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025, a neighbor was seen banging on her next-door neighbor’s door and yelling for help. When no one responded, she began knocking on other neighbors’ doors for assistance.
Neighbors quickly came outside, and the woman shouted, “The house is on fire,” explaining that her significant other and several cats were still inside. When neighbors looked toward the home, they saw heavy smoke coming from the back and visible flames.
Realizing that someone was still inside, and knowing that the man was legally blind, several neighbors immediately ran toward the home to help.
They called out his name and heard banging from inside near the dining room windows. One neighbor grabbed a fire extinguisher while Hector Feliciano went onto the front porch, managed to unlock the screen door, and yanked it open.
Though it was pitch dark inside, Hector could hear the man’s voice and reached in to pull him toward the doorway. Another neighbor assisted, and together they pulled him to safety.
Thanks to the quick actions and bravery of Hector and his neighbors, both residents made it out safely. Sadly, none of the six cats survived, but their courage undoubtedly saved a life that morning.
It is because of his quick thinking, bravery, and heroic community spirit that the Cleveland Police Foundation is honored to name Hector Feliciano its Community Partner of the Month for November 2025.
– Bob Guttu, CPF
2025 CPOMs 2024 CPOMs 2023 CPOMs 2022 CPOMs 2021 CPOMs 2020 CPOMs 2019 CPOMs 2018 CPOMs
About the Community Partner of the Month Program
The Cleveland Police Foundation has implemented the Community Partner of the Month Award, given to individuals from the community who strive to support the mission goals of The Cleveland Division of Police and the CPF. These good folks support law enforcement and continue on a daily basis to help improve their individual neighborhoods. Award recipients receive a plaque and appropriate recognition. Thank you to these achievers!