HIGH RIDGE, Mo. – 15-year-old Savannah Strother was at a neighbor’s house in early July, babysitting one-year-old Alyiah and three-year-old Brysen, when a massive fire broke out between the family’s house and the home next door.
Flames quickly spread to the house where Savannah and the children were, and the teen acted without hesitation to get the kids out of the house uninjured.
A home security camera captured dramatic footage of the babysitter in action. With Alyiah cradled in her arms and Brysen’s hand firmly in hers, she courageously opened the front door to reveal the flames outside and led the children to safety—something the teen says came naturally to her as the oldest child in her family.
“She’s very mature; she has this little motherly instinct in her that is amazing,” Savannah’s mother, Brittany, said. “She’s really good with her three younger sisters. She is my little partner forever.”
Savannah was recognized Monday for her extremely heroic actions by the Board of Directors of the High Ridge Fire Protection District. An awards ceremony was held for her at the High Ridge station, where she was awarded their Hometown Hero award.
“It’s just crazy to think this is all for me,” Savannah said.
Jeremy Walter is chief medical officer for the North Jefferson County Ambulance District, commenting, “The fact that she didn’t hesitate at all, that she just grabbed the kids and got out of the house, is incredible. Very proud to see that and to have her in our district.”
The ceremony was short and sweet, but the fire squad and patrolmen were all in agreement over how impressive Savannah is at 15 years old to be able to handle the situation with such maturity and decisiveness. She also received a $500 check for her achievements that she’s planning to save.
