“I was wearing a Savannah Bananas T-shirt and Hey Dudes,” he said.
But then they saw smoke coming from the apartment building. They quickly took the dog home, before he hopped in the car and drove to get a closer view of the situation.
“I realized it was on fire, and that’s when I jumped a fence and started beating on doors and trying to kick them in to try to get everybody out,” he said.
What would become a large fire had begun consuming the apartment building. In that moment, a lot of things kicked in all at once. He’d had 15 weeks of training at the West Virginia State Police Academy. He knew what to do, and he knew which door he needed to start with and to finish with.
Also, he’d been raised in Mason County by his mother and father to help others when he can and to do the right thing.
“Instinct kicked in,” Poore said. “I knew I had to get everybody out of there and get them to safety. It’s part of this job. If we know that lives are in danger, we need to help them out.
“I gave everybody one knock and scream. If that didn’t work — if they weren’t already leaving their apartment or outside of their apartment — I started kicking their doors down.”
He’s not sure exactly how much time passed, how many doors he pounded on or kicked in, and he’s not sure how many people and pets he helped evacuate.
“Some were scared. Some were nervous,” he said. “Some didn’t really know what was going on because I was their wakeup call — some random guy knocking their door down. I’m just happy I got everybody out of there.”
He said he helped evacuate the people on one side of the apartment complex, while an EMS worker was busy helping evacuate residents of the other side.
“A big thank you to all the first responders who helped put out the fire and gave aid to people who needed it, and to my girlfriend for being there too to give aid to everybody,” he said. “She’s going to school for surgery tech. Once I got everybody out, she went down the hill and was talking to people and checking on them, just providing them comfort.”
Poore was recognized for his efforts by Marshall’s Board of Governors. Looking back on the experience, he has one bit of advice. No matter the circumstances, “Don’t be afraid to help your fellow human,” he said. “If you feel like somebody might be in danger, don’t be afraid to help them.”
That’s the reason he wanted to become a police officer, a job that his brother has, as well as some family friends who also inspire him.
Poore — who graduated from Marshall in 2024 with a degree in criminal justice — said he loves his job at his alma mater, where he works the overnight shift, handling “basic police duties” that come up on campus. He encourages everyone to use basic caution at night, and to have a walking buddy when they’re going anywhere late at night.
He also wants everyone on and around campus to know that they can come to him for help. He wants them to know that campus officers are approachable and there for you, no matter what your question is or what you might need. Just ask, or just say hi and get to know them, in case you need something down the road.
“Don’t be afraid to contact us,” Poore said.
He’s got your back.
