Why was Randy so surprised that Johnny was featured in the paper, and what was Ponyboy's response?

Randy couldn't believe that Ponyboy risked his life..... that Ponyboy was brave enough and selfless enough to do something Randy admits he would likely have not done himself.

"I read about you in the paper," Randy said finally. "How come?"
I don't know. Maybe I felt like playing hero."
"I wouldn't have. I would have let those kids burn to death."
"You might not have. You might have done the same thing."
Randy pulled out a cigarette and pressed in the car lighter. "I don't know. I don't know anything anymore. I would never have believed a greaser could pull something like that."