In Petersburg, Virginia, 12-year-old Romir Parker is being celebrated as a hero after saving his family from a fast-moving house fire.
One June afternoon, Romir was upstairs when he heard strange noises. As he went to check, he was met with heavy smoke. Realizing his family was in danger, he quickly got everyone out — but then ran back inside to rescue his grandmother, guiding her to safety just moments before firefighters arrived.
Petersburg Fire Chief Wayne Hoover praised the boy’s quick thinking: “Even if we got there in four minutes, Romir saved his family’s lives.” The city honored him with a proclamation and made him an honorary firefighter. The chief even told Romir there would be a place for him in the department when he turns 18.