Derrick Byrd, a 20-year-old from Washington, became a hero when a fire started in his house. He helped his sister Kayla get her children out through a window. Standing outside, Derrick caught his two young nephews, Junior and Rory, as they jumped.
Then, something went wrong. His 8-year-old niece, Mercedes, got scared after seeing her mom fall. She stepped back into the burning house, crying for help. Derrick heard her call his name.
Without thinking twice, Derrick ran back into the fire to save her. The flames burned him, and thick smoke made it hard to see, but he didn’t stop. He found Mercedes on the floor, picked her up, and carried her outside to safety.
Derrick got second- and third-degree burns on his face, back, and arms. While lying in the hospital with his face wrapped in bandages, Derrick said, “I’d do it again. I don’t care if I got hurt worse. I’d run back in again.”
Derrick risked his life for his family. He is a true hero.
