Independence third graders praised for spotting house fire, helping save dog
By Brian Johnson
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INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KMBC) — Third graders at Thomas Hart Benton Elementary School are being recognized for quick thinking that helped save a dog trapped inside a burning home near their school.
Last Thursday, during reading class, students noticed something unusual outside their window.
“I look out the window and I see the house is on fire,” said third grader Shaelynn.
Her classmate Emmett quickly alerted their teacher. “And I decided to report it to Mrs. Hudson,” he said.
Their teacher, Addison Hudson, immediately called 911.
“There was smoke coming out everywhere,” she said. “Actually, as they were showing me, the front window blew. So, I picked up my phone. I called 911.”
Firefighters from Independence Fire Department Station Four rushed to the scene and rescued a dog from inside the home, giving the pet oxygen to revive it.
“The dog was kind of lethargic at first,” Hudson said. “And then towards the end he was wagging his tail and super happy. So it was a really cool moment for my kiddos.”
Thankfully, no one was home at the time of the fire. The students watched from their classroom as firefighters worked to control the blaze and save the pet.
“Happy. And after that they feed it peanut butter,” Emmett said with a smile.
Independence firefighters later visited the school to thank the students and teach them about fire safety, showing off their gear and encouraging kids not to fear approaching firefighters in an emergency.
“This is truly about humanity, right?” said Principal Montel Evans. “What it means to step up and do something to help out your fellow neighbor.”
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