U.S. Street renamed in honor of hero who died trying to save people in 2017 Belmont fire

Bronx residents gathered for a special street co-naming in honor of a fallen hero, who made the ultimate sacrifice while trying to save people from a raging building fire in Belmont.

It was city's deadliest fire in years, claiming 13 lives, including Emmanuel Mensah.

The corner of 187 Street and Prospect Avenue has been co-named in his honor.

Mensah, a member of the Army National Guard, died a hero on Dec. 28, 2017 when a deadly fire took the life of several Bronx residents. The fire started by a child playing with the stove, and itquickly spread throughout the building. Mensah died as a hero running back inside trying to save people from the flames.

Council member Ritchie Torres joined Mensah's family and many others who knew him, as they remembered him as a hometown hero. His sister thanked the community for all the support from the neighborhood.

Mensah, originally from Ghana, dreamed of serving our country, according to his father. People walking past Prospect Avenue will forever know the street as Private First-Class Emmanuel Mensah Way.

Menash's father told News 12 he lives right next door from where his son once lived. He says he hopes to keep his son's legacy alive in the country he called home.