Minn. Firefighter Is Finalist In TV Show Contest

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A Minneapolis firefighter who was severely burned in a house fire last summer is a finalist for the "America's Most Wanted" All-Star Contest.

Last July, Jacob LaFerriere and his team were searching for victims in a house fire when an explosion threw LaFerriere across the room. He reached a window and jumped from the third floor, landing on the roof of the first-floor porch.

With a broken ankle, injured knee and severe burns on his hands, he climbed down a ladder to safety.

After months of painful physical therapy, LaFerriere has returned to light duty. He uses his experience to talk to other burn victims.

The "America's Most Wanted" contest honors first responders. The public can vote online through May 8. The grand prize is $10,000.

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