John Wonio

On December 7, 2024, John Wonio spotted flames at his neighbor's house in Des Moines, called 911, and helped a police officer break down the front door. He guided one resident who had just had cataract surgery to safety by calling out to her through the smoke. When he discovered an unconscious woman still inside, Wonio re-entered the burning home and dragged her to safety. She was hospitalized for over two weeks for smoke inhalation, a collapsed lung, and carbon monoxide poisoning before being released just before Christmas. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds honored Wonio with the Lifesaving with Valor Award at the State Capitol in December 2025.