Shawnee Student Honored for Heroic Fire Escape

A Shawnee ECS family escaped a recent fire in their home after their second-grader applied what he’d learned from school fire drills. Robert Ramirez was honored for his act of heroism by West Chester Township’s Police and Fire departments at a special surprise ceremony leading right into National Fire Prevention Week. 

“We have one student who has shown Tiger leadership and a very important life skill outside of school,” said Principal Traci Hummer to a sea of Shawnee second-graders and with a backdrop of about 15 West Chester police and fire personnel who showed up for the occasion. 

“He shared with his teacher that because of what we practice here at Shawnee, he knew exactly what to do and how to save his family and lead them to safety,” continued Hummer, inviting Robert and his family to join her for the special recognition. 

Chief of Police Col. Joel Herzog and Bureau Chief J. Scott Brooks both spoke about the student’s courageous efforts in the Saturday, Sept. 17 fire that occurred at the Meadow Ridge Apartments. 

“We talk about fire safety every day and sometimes you wonder if your message gets through, but Robert is a great example of how they do,” Brooks shared with the group. “Everyone has their own idea of what a hero is. Our idea of a hero is what Robert did.”

To commemorate the honor, Brooks presented Robert with a special certificate, which also included a photo that the responding unit’s police body cam captured of Robert escorting his family to safety. 

“Thank you to my teachers for helping me do it,” said Robert into the microphone at the conclusion of the ceremony. “When I was in kindergarten, I didn’t know what to do with a fire drill. I’m glad that my teachers taught me.”