Umar Fox searched his whole life to look for the firefighter who saved him and his sister from a house fire in 

1978. The search 1  came to an end with a heartfelt reunion.

Umar was 3 when the 2  happened in their house. He and his sister were home for Christmas break. Joseph Gilmore was one of the first people on the 3 . He rushed into the fire, risking his own 4 , and took the children out. Photojournalist George Rizer happened to photograph the 5 .

Umar had always hoped to 6 the man. But the picture taken by Rizer was all he had, which 7 his wish not being realized. Forty-five years later, that picture ended up being 8 thanks to social media. Once Umar 9 Joseph, he and the firefighter had an emotional reunion. Umar's sister had planned to 10 , but she canceled due to illness. Joseph 11 when strong-built Umar walked in, "Oh, man! I wouldn't want to pick you up now."

Umar said that he and his sister "wouldn't be 12 " if it weren't for Joseph. He went on to 13 that his act "brought more into the world". Umar is 14 to be a father of five. His sister also "has great kids" who are "all grown up and doing big things".

As for Joseph, he considered he was 15  doing something he did every day for 38 years.