The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
‘THEY’RE MY HEROES’
Young men who put out house fire recognized by officials Marcus Stokes, Devon Grevious came to neighbor’s aid
NORRISTOWN >> Two young men who rushed into a neighbor’s house to extinguish a fire were commended for their heroism by the Norristown Council and the Norristown Fire Department on Tuesday.
Brothers Marcus Stokes and Devon Grevious were walking on Buttonwood Street at around 9 p.m. on Aug. 2 when they heard smoke detectors blaring from a rowhome and the residents running outside and calling for help.
“We smelled smoke,” said Stokes, 19. “We were walking and they came running out of the house and we ran in.”
Grevious added, “They came out with a fire extinguisher.” The brothers took it back in to use on the fire, which started on the stove top.
Kimberly Vaughn, who lives in the house, said the brothers are heroes.
“I came running out and they said, ‘Miss Kim, are you okay?” They made sure her 15-year-old son was out. He had been trying to use the fire extinguisher, she said.
“It could have been a catastrophe if it wasn’t for them,” said Vaughn. “I am just so grateful they’re my neighbors, as brave as they are. I can’t thank them enough. They just took over and saved the day. They deserve any accolades they get. They’re my heroes.”
Deputy Fire Chief Richard Lockhart said the two are an example of the kind of citizens that Norristown wants, those who “do the right thing.”
“These men are walking down the street, see a fire, not only do they call 911, which we ask them to do, but they go inside the dwelling using a fire extinguisher,” he said. “They knock the fire down. And take a real quick look around and make sure there’s nobody in there. They really went above and beyond.”
Councilman Derrick Perry suggested that Stokes and Grevious become volunteer firefighters.
“Maybe you can mentor some kids that come into the fire department to do the same thing that you guys did,” said Perry.
Council President Sonya Sanders said that she wished more people were present at the meeting to see how courageous the two men were.
“The municipality of Norristown, we thank you for your courageousness and heroism,” said Sanders. “Thank you again. We can’t thank you enough. It’s greatly appreciated.”
— Kimberly Vaughn