A babysitter who rescued children and the family dog from a fire was celebrated as a hero, awarded the Citizenship Award, and given a $500 check.
A 15-year-old babysitter is being celebrated as a hero for saving young children and a family pet from a house fire.
When the fire started, Savannah Strother was caring for a 1-year-old and their 3-year-old sibling.
Firefighters arrived at a house fire on Winthrop Drive at approximately 9:30 p.m.
In the incident, the fire had initially damaged one home and then spread to a neighboring house where the babysitter and two toddlers were.
As the flames rapidly engulfed the house where Savannah and the children were, the babysitter took immediate action to save them. She quickly gathered the kids and led them to safety, ensuring they were out of harm’s way despite the dangerous conditions.
Fire officials reported that two adults had managed to leave the first home before the firefighters arrived. One of them was taken to the hospital for burns, while the other was unharmed, according to KSDK.
A home security camera captured the dramatic moment of the rescue, showing Savannah carrying Alyiah and leading Brysen to safety through the flames.
Savannah described her actions as feeling natural, given her experience as the oldest child in her family.
“It all happened so quickly. I just recall fleeing and feeling the intense heat on my back,” Savannah shared with Inside Edition.
High Ridge, Missouri, Fire Chief John Barton praised Savannah’s actions as truly remarkable. He highlighted the incredible composure she showed at just 15 years old, managing to get the children out safely before the fire spread further.
“Her maturity and innate nurturing qualities are truly impressive,” Savannah’s mother, Brittany, noted. “She’s always been great with her three younger sisters. She’s my forever partner in everything.”
Last week, Savannah was honored with the Hometown Hero award by the Board of Directors of the High Ridge Fire Protection District, as reported by Yahoo!.
The ceremony took place at the High Ridge station, where her courage was honored.
At the High Ridge station, a sense of awe and gratitude filled the air. The ceremony was a tribute to Savannah’s courage, with decorations highlighting her achievements. As she stood amidst the applause, the weight of the honor was palpable.
Savannah looked around at the gathered crowd, the station’s high ceilings echoing with applause and cheers. She felt a mix of disbelief and pride.
She glanced around at the faces of her friends and colleagues, each beaming with pride. The reality of her bravery being recognized in such a grand way seemed almost surreal.
“It really is,” she continued, her voice tinged with wonder. “I never imagined this would be my reality. It feels like a dream.”
The ceremony continued with heartfelt speeches and accolades, celebrating not just the bravery but also the spirit that drove Savannah to act with such dedication. It was a moment of reflection and celebration, marking a significant milestone in her journey.
Jeremy Walter, the chief medical officer for the North Jefferson County Ambulance District, commended Savannah for her swift actions in rescuing the children and getting them to safety. He expressed that the district is extremely proud to have her as part of their team.
Here is the security camera footage showing the 15-year-old babysitter rescuing the children from the fire:
