Heroes come in all different sizes...some a little smaller than others. Five-year-old Jackson Peek was presented with a "Courage Award" from Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Chief Mark Foulks on Wednesday morning at Fire Administration.
Jackson's father, Scott, sent a message via Facebook to the department about his son's courageous act. On October 20, Jackson as visiting his grandmother, Jane Johnston, who he affectionately calls "Nema," when she suddenly fell and sustained an injury that made it difficult for her to get up.
He first tried to assist her in standing, but was unsuccessful. He then tried to show her different ways that she could get up without using her injured shoulder. Although his grandmother appreciated the different ideas he gave her, she was still unable to stand on her own.
Jackson remained calm under pressure and retrieved her phone so she could call for help.
For this act of bravery, Jackson received a "Courage Award" certificate, a letter signed by the fire chiefs, a department patch, and his own MFRD fire hat.
The letter from the chiefs read, "Because of your bravery, the Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department would like to recognize your efforts with our Courage Award. Thank you for showing outstanding courage in a scary situation."
Jackson also got a special visit from City Manager Rob Lyons and the crew from MFRD's Engine 1. He was even able to try on some turnout gear and test out the driver's seat of the fire engine!
"We wanted to do something special for Jackson, because this situation is special," said Chief Foulks. "It is evident that whatever training he has received from his parents or in school, he listened and was able to use it to help his grandmother. We are very proud of him and happy that she is doing well."
