9-year-old Kansas boy honored for 911 call to report house fire

MIAMI COUNTY, Kansas —Undersheriff Matthew P. Kelly and Mid-America Regional Council Public Safety Communications Board Co-Chair and Overland Park Police Department Deputy Chief Eric Houston presented 9-year old, Reese Hardison with the 911 Hero Award and recognized Miami County Sheriff's Office Dispatcher Jennifer Carter.

On the afternoon of April 10,  Reese Hardison was dropped off by the school bus at his home. As he approached the residence he saw smoke inside. He was alone and used his cell phone to call 911 to report the smoke.

Dispatcher Jennifer Carter answered his call. Reese was able to calmly and accurately describe what was happening and provide the information needed to get help on the way.

Jennifer made sure that Reese was in a safe place far away from the fire. Most likely seeing the smoke, the school bus driver returned to Reese’s house. She had Reese get back on the bus to stay safe until help arrived.

Emergencies are often very emotional and stressful events. They are even more stressful when someone you love is involved. Even though his house was on fire, Reese displayed a degree of calm and composure that is rarely witnessed in events such as these, especially in a child so young.

Reese’s heroic effort during this emergency is commendable.After Reese and Jennifer were presented their awards, Reese was given a tour of the Sheriff's Office and was able to see where his 911 call was answered.

The primary purpose of the Kansas City Regional 911 Hero Award program is to recognize and reward young people who show that they know how and when to use 911 by performing some heroic action during an emergency.

To receive the award, the hero must have initiated the call to 911 and was able to provide the dispatchers with the information needed to get help on the way.