A 12-year-old boy in Petersburg, Virginia, has been officially recognised as a hero after rescuing his grandmother and two younger brothers from a house fire. Ramir Parker was awarded a hero's proclamation by city officials for his bravery on 3 June, when he single-handedly saved his family from a blaze that destroyed their home.
Ramir told local news station WTVR that he heard a strange noise and went downstairs to find black smoke filling the house. He rushed to a couch where his brothers, aged one and two, were sleeping, picked them both up, and carried them outside. Realising his grandmother was still inside, he ran back into the smoke-filled house and guided her to safety.
Fire Chief Wayne Hoover said that by the time firefighters arrived within four minutes of being called, Ramir had already evacuated everyone. 'The bottom line – he saved his family's life,' Hoover said. An investigation later determined the fire was accidental, caused by an electrical problem downstairs.
At a city council meeting on 17 June, Mayor Samuel Parham presented Ramir with a proclamation declaring him a municipal hero. The document praised his 'remarkable heroism' and 'level of bravery and presence of mind well beyond his years.' The audience gave him a standing ovation.
Hoover also told WTVR that Ramir has a job waiting for him at the Petersburg Fire Department when he turns 18. When asked about his actions, Ramir said, 'It's my little brothers – I don't care. 'Cause the only thing that matters is I got my little brothers out of the house – and my grandma.'
