A FIVE-YEAR-OLD Northside boy received an
‘Honorary Firefighter’ award last week for his bravery in dealing with an incident that could have led to devastating consequences.
On May 14, a kid’s toy was left on a lamp in Robert Dempsey’s bedroom at his home in Malahide.
Robert was downstairs at the time with his two sisters, Roisin (7) and Maeve (2), and their childminder.
When the smoke alarm went off, Robert was coolness personified, urging everyone to leave the house immediately.
At one point his two-year-old sister, Maeve, attempted to climb the stairs but he took her by the hand and led her outside.
When they were safely outside their house, Robert shouted for help and a neighbour came to their aid.
Earlier this year, as part of its Community Fire Safety Awareness Programme, Dublin Fire Brigade visited Robert’s school – St Oliver Plunkett National School, Grove Road, Malahide – to give advice and lifesaving tips to the children in the hope that it would reduce the risk of fires and injuries in the home. Thankfully, Robert was able to put what he learned into practice.
Last Thursday (June 26) members of Dublin Fire Brigade, who gave the talk to Robert and his classmates, visited the school to present him with his
‘Honorary Firefighter’ award in recognition of his bravery. At the event, Robert recalled the incident at his home.
“A fireman visited my Junior Infant class a few months ago and told us what to do if we saw a fire,
? he said.
“The smoke alarm went off in my bedroom and I saw smoke. I told an adult to call the fire brigade on 999 and I told everyone we must get out of the house.
“My little sister, who is two, wanted to go upstairs. I wouldn’t let her and took her by the hand and went outside. I shouted really loud until my neighbour came to help.
?
Robert’s mother, Ciara McCabe, said she was very proud of her son and how he put what he was taught at school into practice.
“He did exactly what he was told to do by the firemen who gave the talk,
? Ciara said.
“He made a big difference. If the baby had got up the stairs, anything could have happened. There could have been a different outcome. We were so lucky.
“When they all went outside, he started shouting that his house was on fire. My neighbour heard him and she was very helpful.
“The smoke went right through the entire upstairs of the house. It was getting very bad and the smell was poisonous. It travelled across to the baby’s room and the smell was in the cot and on clothes. It was such a shock.
?
Ciara had high praise for the fire safety programme the children were taught at school and made a point of visiting Robert’s teacher, Ms Brennan, to thank her afterwards.
“It proves that the programme they were taught really matters,
? she added.
“It turned out to be a minor incident but it could have been so different. It proves that it really is important to talk to children about fire safety.
?
Chief Fire Officer Patrick Fleming said Dublin Fire Brigade takes pride in knowing that its Community Fire Safety Programme is making a difference in the communities it serves.
“We congratulate Robert on his quick thinking and wish him and his family all the best for the future,
? Mr Fleming told Northside People.