Boy honored as 'lifesaver'

FLOWERY BRANCH - Firefighters and others gathered Friday at Martin Elementary in Flowery Branch to honor nine year old Collin Merritt, who is credited with possibly saving his family from injury or death early Wednesday when he woke his parents to a fire that was consuming their home.

Hall County Fire Marshal Scott Cagle praised the boy's courage and fast thinking in the face of danger.

Firefighters presented Merritt with a citizen's lifesaving award plaque and a fire safety award medal. He was also given letters of appreciation, a new backpack, school supplies and a UGA football jersey. Upon hearing about the jersey, the boy raised his hands in the air triumphantly.

Because of the size of the house, flames quickly consumed it, according to fire officials, and it took firefighters two hours to put it out. Cagle said that it can't be repaired, and would probably be razed and completely rebuilt.

Cagle was amazed that no one was seriously injured. "When he got out of his room, he saw fire. He had to run around the fire to get to his parents' room," he said.

When Cagle needed information he got it from Collin.

"Collin gave me his age, address, telephone number, things like that, and the first comment to me from Collin was, 'Am I going to get in trouble for losing my homework?' We assured him he had a pretty good excuse."

Cagle told the boy's story to the students at Collin's school, urging them to be prepared for something similar at their home. The Merritts house was gutted by the fire, but everyone made it out safely.

"I'm just glad to have everyone out and glad to be here," Collin said Friday.

"Let me ask everybody a question," Cagle said, "How many students in here have ever had a fire drill at school?" After everyone raised their hands, Cagle said "Right. It's a state law. You have to...now...who can honestly look me in the eye, without lying to me, and say you've had a fire drill at home?"

None of the children responded.

He asked whether most fires were at home or school, and the response was a resounding chorus of "Home!"

"You just told me that most fires start at home, but you're not prepared for them," Cagle concluded and then gave them homework. "I want you to go home tonight and practice a fire escape plan at your house, just like you do at school."