Anonymous Neighbor Makes Name for Himself as Rescuer : Bravery: Former Raiders player uses his speed to help others to safety from raging apartment fire. Several grateful residents now recognize him as their hero.

Residents of La Ramada Apartments had seen the athletic, 6-foot-3 tenant around their complex before, but they never knew who he was--until he barreled through their burning building Tuesday night to save them.

As the residents returned to their charred apartments on Wednesday, one after another sought out that man, to thank him and praise him as a hero. They learned that their neighbor and rescuer is named Wade Lockett, a 27-year-old former player for the Raiders.

Witnesses said Lockett, who once ran 40 yards in 4.5 seconds on the field, had run from door to door until he was sure everyone was out of the building. Treva Thomas was one of those who watched him, although he was barely visible through the thick smoke, she said.

“He was pulling people out of their places even though the fire was everywhere,” Thomas said.

“He was a hero,” Rebecca Sandoval said, spotting Lockett and pointing toward him as he carried his clothes to his car Wednesday. “He saved my daughter and others.”

Lockett said he didn’t think much of the smoke he smelled as he left home Tuesday to go to the store. He did notice a neighbor returning home from high school and going into her apartment. They barely nodded to each other.

When Lockett returned 30 minutes later, he saw the fire engines and flames and realized that the people inside had little time.

Sandoval said her 15-year-old daughter was one of those inside. The girl had returned home tired from school and fallen asleep, unaware of the fire that began raging above her.

Lockett “had seen my daughter go in and he came pounding on our door,” said Sandoval, who had been at work. “He saved her life.”

Lockett said he “saw the flame, and it was spreading quickly and I realized that the girl was inside her home. After I got in, flames were coming through the walls and through the roof, but mainly the roof.”

James Tapia, a 23-year-old Orange County employee, said Lockett and another unidentified man saw Tapia frantically trying to return for his cats. They broke the window and took his Emma and Skippy from the smoking apartment. “I don’t even know his name but he just ran with me to save my cats,” Tapia said, pointing at Lockett. “It made me feel great to have someone help me without even asking.”

Lockett played wide receiver and defensive back for Cal State Fullerton before playing for the Los Angeles Raiders during the strike-ridden season in 1987. He later played football for the L.A. Cobras of the now defunct Arena Football League, in which he was the fifth-leading receiver in 1988.

Although he once had dreams of returning to play for the Raiders, Lockett said, he now is a record producer and has just finished a record titled “The Struggle Is On.”

Lockett, whose apartment also suffered damage said, he was just glad he got to everyone in time.

“You have to have a positive attitude; God does things for a reason,” Lockett said.

As fire officials Wednesday told the Sandovals that their home was destroyed, they fought back tears. But when they saw Lockett, they walked up to him, and smiled and each gave him a hug.