A teen rescued a mother and three children, including a 1-year-old in a car seat, from a burning car in Waterbury on Wednesday and police have honored him for his bravery.
Trapped inside the SUV, just before it burst into flames, were a mother and three small children. “I felt helpless,” said Latrisha Chambers of Waterbury. “All I could do is pray. I was screaming for help.” Jaylah, Ellie and Isaiah, ages 9, 4 and 1, were inside with their mother before Justin Gavin ran to their aid. “As I saw the car coming, I saw the little kids in the back, I kept yelling, the car’s on fire. The car’s on fire,” said Gavin, who was just getting off a bus in the area when he witnessed what was happening.
Gavin said he saw the flames flickering beneath the car, beginning to build when he started to help the children from the burning vehicle. “I told the little girl to unbuckle her seat belt as fast as she can so when I threw open the door, I could just pull them out,” said Gavin.
Gavin said he doesn’t scare easily but in this case was nervous. “I was kind of scared because I’ve never seen a burning car before,” said Gavin.
To recognize the heroic effort, Waterbury Police honored Gavin Wednesday, giving him something normally reserved for officers themselves, the chief’s commemorative coin. The event may have had an altering effect on Gavin’s life too. Before this he had dropped out of school. Now he is not only considering returning but is thinking about a career as a first-responder.
“I probably most likely will join the police force or become a firefighter,” he said. “Because after yesterday I feel like there’s more people that can be helped.”
Simply put...he's a Hero.
NBC 30
(photo Getty Images)