When you think of the word "hero", quite a few things come to mind.
You would of course think of the noblest of professions, perhaps a man who puts the value of others before himself.
John Melton embodies all of those things.
Melton is the fire chief in Cheraw, and is carrying on a long legacy of helping others.
For three generations, Melton men served in the Cheraw fire department.
John Melton's made it a fixture in his life since 1977.
"I guess I was just born into it really. I've been involved in it all my life. My father started the county E.M.S. back in the late 60's. I actually was transported to school in the back of an ambulance, so it's part of my life," said Melton.
Melton says he doesn't necessarily think of himself as a hero, but says there have been quite a few occasions in his 30 years of firefighting, in which he's saved a life.
Melton was at the helm of the department to help the community in times when fires burnt down buildings, and left families without a home.
"It's not about a paycheck. I could've worked in industry somewhere, but it's about the service to the community and just really helping people," said Melton.
It's those qualities that encouraged his wife Mary Lynn, to nominate him for the honor of being named a Pee Dee Hero.
But Mary Lynn says it's more than just his abilities in the fire department that make him a stand-out.
At a time in life when a married couple should finally enjoy an empty nest, the couple's grandchildren were in crisis.
When called upon, Mary Lynn says her husband, did not hesitate.
"Because of some terrible circumstances, we were told either we had to bring them into our home and take care of them and love them, or they had to go into foster homes and they would possibly be separated," said Mary Lynn Melton.
Mary Lynn says John immediately took quite an active role in the young children's lives.
She says he supports them not only financially, but also physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Mary Lynn says her husband John is a true Pee Dee Hero, not only for what he gives to the community of Cheraw, but for the everyday kindness and caring he displays, in the home.
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