Today, Isiah Francis, 10, and Jeremiah Grimes, 11, were honored at the Board of County Commissioners meeting for calling 911 and rescuing two small children from a burning home on June 16.
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Fire Chief Otto Drozd gave the boys a Mayor’s Hero Award, an Honorary Firefighter plaque and each a scholarship to attend the Central Florida Fire Academy when they turn 18.
“We are so grateful for the remarkable actions of Jeremiah and Isiah,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. “The qualities, the courage and the compassion that these two young men displayed were clearly instilled by their parents, teachers and community. We are so glad that these young men knew to call 911, and were able to save two lives.”
Both children, from Oakland, can be heard on the 911 call reporting the emergency. When Orange County Fire Rescue arrived on scene, two children and one adult were safely out of the structure.
“These children exhibited exceptional bravery, and their families should be very proud,” said Drozd. “They called 911 so our firefighters could immediately respond to the emergency. Furthermore, they rescued two children from the burning residence, saving their lives.”
Two other children were discovered by firefighters inside the home, one of whom has since died.
Orange County Fire Rescue is submitting the children’s heroic acts to the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission for consideration of honoring them with a Carnegie Medal.
