Chongqing - What does being named "Good Samaritans of China" feel like? And what comes next after such an honor? These questions took center stage at the 2025 Second "Good Samaritans of China" List Release Ceremony and National Moral Model Exchange, held recently in Yichun, Heilongjiang Province. Among those honored were six individuals (or groups) from Chongqing.

On September 23, 2024, a child was trapped in a residential building fire in Wanzhou District, Chongqing. Cheng Taifu, Deng Houping, and Deng Ping scaled the building and rescued the child. (Photo/Wei Wanzhou)

Notable among them were three courageous men from Wanzhou - Cheng Taifu, Deng Houping, and Deng Ping - recognized for their heroic efforts in saving a young boy from a fire. A Chongqing Daily reporter spoke with them to uncover the story behind their inspiring actions.

Cheng Taifu: "Age Doesn't Matter - Saving Lives Is an Instinct"

On the afternoon of September 23, 2024, 74-year-old Cheng Taifu was cooking at home when he heard shouts of "Fire! Get out now!" Seeing thick, toxic smoke outside, he immediately covered his face with a wet towel, rushed out, and alerted his neighbors by knocking on every door. He also shut off the building’s main gas valve.

Once outside, Cheng spotted a boy trapped on the third floor, curled up near a window guard as flames and smoke drew closer. Without regard for his own age, Cheng climbed onto the narrow awning below - less than half a meter wide - and edged along the wall toward the child.

"Don't be afraid - I'll get you out!" he reassured the boy while trying to force the window guard open. Despite repeated attempts, the bars wouldn't bend. As his strength waned, Cheng called out for tools. Soon, someone handed up an angle grinder, and Cheng supported the rescuer on his shoulders. For ten exhausting minutes, he held steady until the boy was freed and brought to safety.

Cheng Taifu. (Photo/Diyiyan)

"That was a young life - I couldn't just watch the fire take it," Cheng said modestly about being named a Chinese Good Samaritan. "Age doesn’t matter. Saving someone is an instinct. I only did what had to be done."

Deng Houping: "Bravery Should Be a Part of Everyday Life"

Deng Houping, another of the three rescuers and a locksmith by trade, also has vivid memories of that day. Hearing a child was trapped, he first tried to ,pick the lock but found the door burned and unworkable.

When Cheng called for tools, Deng rushed home to get a grinder. Climbing onto the awning with Cheng's support, he began cutting the window guard despite intense heat, blinding smoke, and flying sparks.

"The scene was critical—the boy was running out of time," Deng recalled. Working carefully, he cut a one-square-meter opening - a vital escape route.

Deng Houping. (Photo/Diyiyan)

"As a locksmith, I'm glad I could use my skills to help. As a father, your heart goes out to anyone who would have done the same," Deng said. "I believe acts of bravery should be commonplace. When we help those in need, society becomes a better place."

Deng Ping: "Everyone Can Be an Everyday Hero"

Deng Ping, the youngest of the three, was driven purely by instinct. Seeing the others in action, he quickly climbed up to assist.

Noticing the boy was terrified and injured, Deng calmly comforted him while helping steady Deng Houping. He guided the child once the opening was cut: "Take it slow—put your feet through first. I'll catch you."

As the boy slipped partway out, Deng gripped the hot metal with one hand and pulled him to safety with the other. He then carried him carefully along the narrow awning, encouraging him all the way to safety.

Deng Ping. (Photo/Diyiyan)

"This wasn't just about us - bystanders and firefighters all played a part. Everyone there was a hero in their own way," Deng Ping remarked. "Being named a Chinese Good Samaritan is both an honor and a duty. I hope to pass on this spirit of kindness and inspire more people to become everyday heroes."