Milan man recognized for heroic act

MILAN — A national organization recently recognized a Milan man who sacrificed his own life in an attempt to rescue another person. The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, in its latest award round, honored 18 North American citizens for their courage. This would include the late Allen Robert Linder of Milan. "Allen Robert Linder, a 65-year-old truck driver of Milan, Ohio, responded to the scene of the tank of a tanker trailer that was being cleaned at a facility in Cleveland," according to a commission statement. "A woman inside the tank — who suffocated inside the tank of a tanker truck that she was cleaning — had collapsed, and, without a respirator or air supply, Linder ascended a ladder on the tank's side and entered the tank through a hatch. Shortly, Linder, too, collapsed. Linder and the woman died." The Carnegie Medal is given throughout the U.S. and Canada to those who enter extreme danger while saving or trying to save the lives of others. More than 10,200 medals have been awarded since the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,-based fund's inception in 1904. Mark Laskow, the commission's chair, indicated each of the awardees or their survivors will receive a financial grant. "Throughout the more than 117 years since the fund was established by industrialist-philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, more than $43 million has been given in one-time grants, scholarship aid, death benefits and continuing assistance," a statement read. Learning more about Linder Linder's obituary, provided by Eastman Funeral Home, provides more information about him: Allen Robert Linder, 65, Milan, died on Feb. 20, 2020, as part of a work-related rescue attempt. He was born on Nov. 29, 1954, in Norwalk to the late Frank and Agnes (Phillips) Linder. Allen graduated from Norwalk High School and EHOVE Career Center Allen loved his wife, his children and cherished his grandchildren. He was a skilled winemaker alongside his friend Norb Barman whom he admired. He was a truck driver for KAG (Keenan Advantage Group). He formerly drove for Norwalk Furniture. He drove millions of miles, making friends all along the way. Allen would give you the shirt off his back or his last nickel if you needed it. Survivors include his loving wife of 46 years, Cindy (Deer) Linder; their children, Allen Linder Jr. and Casey (Dawn) Linder; grandchildren, Seth, Isabellah, Avery and Audrey; siblings, Linda (Robert) Huey, Andy (Mary) Linder, Gerry (Judy) Linder, Vicky (Randy) Zipfel, Steve (Sharon) Linder, Marv (Vicki) Linder, Rita Linder AND Tina (Scot) Davidson. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and close friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Martin, Charlie and Edwin. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be expressed by visiting walkereastmanheydingerfh.com