Two quick-thinking boys from Irricana were among seven young people recognized by the City of Calgary for being 'Young 911 Heroes' at an event at the TELUS Spark Science Centre last month.
Irricana-and-area residents Jaxon Erickson and Dylan O'Keefe, both 12 years old and Grade 7 students at Beiseker Community School, were among the kids paid tribute by Calgary, Chestermere, and Rocky View County fire officials on Sept. 23 as a thank you for doing the right thing and calling 911 after witnessing an emergency situation. The youths were all nominated by their municipality's respective fire departments.
"The bravery of our heroes, and their ability to stay cool under pressure is something that should be celebrated," said Susan Henry, City of Calgary 911 Chief, in a press release from the City. "These children have set an example that everyone can learn from – knowing when and how to call 911 is a skill that can save lives."
According to Erickson, he and O'Keefe were playing soccer in Irricana in the summer of 2021 when Erickson noticed a grass fire burning nearby. Going over to investigate, he said they two boys saw a man who appeared to be under the influence or just acting strangely. He was sitting on the ground, lighting pieces of paper on fire and placing them down on the grass nearby.
Due to the hot and dry conditions, the grass caught fire, and was starting to spread toward a nearby wooded area. That's when Erickson and O'Keefe, 11 years old at the time, realized they needed to alert the authorities.
The two friends said RCMP cruisers and firefighters from the Irricana fire station showed up shortly afterwards to douse the blaze.
“I didn’t want it to spread into the trees nearby," Erickson said. "There was grass lit on fire everywhere, so we called 911. The firefighters and police showed up, and then we continued playing soccer for a bit.”
O'Keefe reiterated the story, adding "It was the right thing to do.”
Months later, Erickson and O'Keefe were surprised to find out they had been nominated by Rocky View Fire Services to receive Young 911 Heroes accolades. At the event on Sept. 23, they each received a small plaque to commemorate their decision to alert the authorities.
Erickson and O'Keefe weren't the only youths to receive the accolade from the Rocky View County region. Chestermere resident Haley Tibeau was also among the seven. According to a news release, she was walking through her neighbourhood when a fire alarm sounded at a nearby home.
"The 13-year-old knocked on the doors, and when no one answered ran home to call 911," the release stated. "Haley provided precise information to the emergency communication officer, leading to the Calgary Fire Department responding to and shutting down a faulty alarm."
