LAKEWOOD, Colo. -- Two young adults who risked their lives to run into a burning house and save their friends were presented with West Metro Fire Rescue’s 911 Life Saving Awards, one posthumously.

Devin Barnhart, 23, and Jeremy McCarroll, 20, had escaped a burning Roxborough Park home last August, but returned to the smoke and flame-filled structure.

McCarroll and two others died. Barnhart was burned over 70 percent of his body, including his face, arms and head.

McCarroll’s brother, Nate, on Tuesday accepted the medal on his brother's behalf. Firefighters said McCarroll’s body was found very near Joey Shedron, 22, and Shedron's girlfriend, Amber Jeffers, 18, all whom died of smoke inhalation.

Jeffers' mother tearfully presented the awards, while reflecting on her daughter's life.

She said to Barnhart, "Your instincts kicked in and you ran into a burning house without any regard for your own well being. That is a remarkably brave person."

Following the ceremony, Barnhart expressed thanks for all the support he’s received.

"I'm just continuing to move and live my life to the fullest for my friends who couldn't," Barnhart said.

He added he was released from University of Colorado Hospital last month after four and a half months of treatment for his burns.

Barnhart has returned to Red Rocks Community College studying digital photography. He said he's also considered becoming a firefighter after his experience.

More than a dozen friends gathered at Shedron's home that evening in August to comfort Shedron, whose mother had recently passed away from brain cancer. The fire broke out after 3 a.m., after everyone had gone to sleep.

Erik Hogue, 19, also escaped the fire but was unable to attend the ceremony, which was held at the Lakewood Cultural Center.

Investigators ruled the cause of the fire was "undetermined." They were not able to eliminate improperly discarded smoking materials as the possible cause.