How School Kids Save Neighbors’ Dogs From House Fire While Owners Were Away
Two 12- and 13-year-olds are being hailed as heroes for saving their neighbors’ dogs from a house fire while they were away. Their actions were caught on a home security camera.
They were riding their bikes past their friend’s house in Coventry, Rhode Island, when they heard the fire alarm go off. They notified the family and got them the code to open the door.
1. Jamire Ricker in Greensboro
It’s never easy to watch a home go up in flames, especially when it has your favorite pet inside. That’s why it’s important to know who you can call on when disaster strikes. And when it comes to your family’s pets, some people are truly selfless.
A 12-year-old middle schooler named Jamire Ricker from Greensboro, NC, stepped up and saved his neighbors’ lives in a dramatic way. When a house fire broke out in February, the young man called 911 and went to each unit in his building to make sure all his neighbors got out safely. With his quick thinking and bravery, he may have saved his life and his neighbors’!
The Greensboro Fire Department and The Triad Math & Science Academy, where he attends school, recognized Jamire for his heroism. They presented him with an Exceptional Civilian Service Award, plus a fully sponsored field trip to Carowinds Amusement Park!
He said he was “so shocked” and “really emotional” when he found out. But he was proud of himself for making the right decision in a time of need.
When his neighbor’s house caught on fire while their owners were away, another selfless neighbor jumped in to help rescue their dog. Mike Richter, a teacher at the nearby high school, heard about the blaze and knew his neighbors’ beloved dog would be in danger.
With his quick thinking and courage, Richter called the Scalfaros’ home, and they revealed that their beloved dog was still in the house. After Carmen told him the dog needed to be rescued, Richter knew he had to do something.
Despite the smoke and fire, Richter pushed through the broken front door and into the burning home, where he rescued his neighbors’ beloved dog Piper. The Scalfaros and their daughter were 30 miles away celebrating Carmen’s 17th birthday when the blaze broke out, but thanks to Richter’s quick actions, Piper is now alive and well.
This kind of heroism is a rare thing that isn’t commonly seen in our world today. It’s a true testament to the power of community. When we see our friends and neighbors doing what they can for others, we realize that we can all be heroes in our own ways.
3. Che in Philadelphia
Che, a dog who shares a two-story red brick house with his owner in Philadelphia, saved her from a fire while she was sleeping. He began barking in the middle of the night, alerting his neighbors to smoke in the home, according to CBS Philly.
The firefighters who arrived on scene found both the woman and her dog unconscious, and resuscitated them with oxygen. They then transported them to Temple University Hospital for burn treatment, according to Jen Leary, founder of Red Paw Emergency Relief Team, a nonprofit animal rescue group.
After the fire, Che was soaking wet and in shock. He had to be put on oxygen for the rest of the night, but was released from the hospital Thursday. He is now guarded and stable, Leary told CBS News.
After a series of popular cheesesteak pop-ups, Cheat’s Cheesesteak Parlor is opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant this week on Pecan Avenue in Philadelphia. It will be located between the Elizabeth and Plaza Midwood neighborhoods. It will have grab-and-go options and a couple of picnic tables outside, Leary tells me. The cheesesteak pop-ups have been wildly popular, so the opening of this new restaurant is a big deal for the community.
4. Tyler Baldwin in Braxton County
A home on Bens Run Road near Newville went up in flames Monday morning. A neighbor saw the flames and jumped into action. The man of the hour was a high school student named Tyler Baldwin. He was able to put out the fire using some creative thinking and a bit of ingenuity. He also saved the day by alerting the nearby Flatwoods Community Volunteer Fire Department and Braxton County EMS to the problem.
The teen’s 14-year-old brother, Logan, helped out with the dog. The foxy duo was rewarded with a trip to the local bowling alley, and a newfound appreciation for the role family plays in everyone’s success. In a Facebook post, the family says they have a lot of reasons to thank their lucky stars.
