The State - News from Sept. 20, 1988

A 9-year-old San Jose boy was killed in a fire, but his father was rescued by an off-duty firefighter, officials said. Redwood City Firefighter Dave Raymaker saw smoke coming from a four-plex apartment while he was on his way to work and rushed into the building. After kicking in the front door of the burning apartment, Raymaker pulled the boy’s father out but was unable to search for other victims because of the thick, black smoke and intense heat, officials said. San Jose firefighters found the youngster in a rear bedroom suffering from first- and second-degree burns and smoke inhalation. Firefighters attempted mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The boy died later at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. His father suffered third-degree burns over 95% of his body and was in critical condition. Identities were withheld pending notification of relatives.