Derrick Byrd’s bravery in Aberdeen, Washington, proves that not all heroes wear capes. When a fire broke out at his sister’s home, Derrick’s quick thinking and selflessness saved the lives of his niece and nephews.
Six people were inside the house when the fire started, including Derrick’s sister, Kayla, and her three children. As the fire spread, Derrick managed to catch his nephews and jump from the second floor window, but his 8-year-old niece, Mercedes, was trapped inside. Without hesitation, Derrick re-entered the burning house to rescue her.
Despite the intense flames, Derrick was determined. “I could feel it burning me,” he said, but he wrapped his shirt around Mercedes’ face to shield her from smoke and carried her to safety. Unfortunately, Derrick suffered second and third-degree burns on his face, back, and arms but remained undeterred. He humbly stated, “I’d rather get burnt than her. She’s a good kid.”
Derrick’s bravery saved lives, and his humble response shows what true heroism is.
