A 12-year-old girl is the first recipient of the Perth East and West Perth Fire Chief's Commendation.
Hannah Sims was babysitting her two younger brothers in their Perth East home earlier this year when a radio malfunctioned and caught fire. She immediately rushed them to the family’s pre-designated meeting place outside.
Thanks to Hannah's response to "get out, stay out", and using the home escape plan, as well as her fire safety knowledge, she and her brothers were not hurt.
Fire Chief Bill Hunter of the Perth East and West Perth Fire Departments said it was Hannah who inspired the department to create a special recognition program.
Sims is the first recipient in the individual category of the Fire Chief’s Commendation.
"The Fire Chief’s Commendation is a special way to recognize ordinary people and organizations, who do extraordinary things with regard to fire and life safety," explained Hunter. "Hannah is the perfect ambassador for this community’s youth. Too often, we hear of fires where people didn’t know what to do or simply panicked. Hannah knew exactly what she needed to do, and did it. As a result, she saved herself, her siblings and earned this recognition. As a department, we have discussed recognizing individuals. Hannah’s actions inspired us to bring this to fruition."
Hannah was presented with a framed certificate and the Fire Chief’s Commendation coin at a ceremony Thursday night in Sebringville.
The presentation comes just ahead of Fire Prevention Week, October 8-14. The theme is "Every Second Counts – Plan 2 Ways Out" which drives home the importance of having and practicing a home escape plan.
Hannah Sims and her family at the Fire Chief's Commendation presentation Thursday, Oct. 5th in Sebringville.(photo submitted)