On Saturday, January 23, 2022, Officer Jorge Grajeda was off duty at his relative’s house. Around 10:30 in the morning, Jorge noticed thick black smoke billowing from the neighbor’s residence.
The elderly neighbor was believed to be inside the burning home because her car was parked in the driveway.
With no hesitation, Jorge rushed into action and ran to the neighbor’s home. Seeing that the back of the home was fully engulfed in flames, he made his way to the front of the house and pushed open the door. Jorge began yelling out to see if anyone was inside the home.
Repeatedly he called out in search of the neighbor and received no response. He knew in the pit of his stomach that someone was there – either hurt or unaware of the fire.
Knowing the dangers of entering a burning building, Jorge entered the home, risking his own safety. He instantly searched the home, going room-by-room until he found her.
Laying on her bed, the elderly female neighbor was unaware of the situation. Jorge informed her that her home was on fire, and she needed to evacuate. However, she refused to go.
Thankfully, the Montclair Fire Department arrived on scene just in time. They were able to help Jorge escort the neighbor out of the burning building and to safety.
The fire was eventually extinguished, and thanks to Officer Jorge Grajeda’s incredible bravery and heroism, a life was saved.
Please join me in congratulating Officer Jorge Grajeda
A working smoke alarm can save lives. Let me see a show of hands: Who has a working smoke alarm?
Who changed their batteries at Daylight Savings Time?
We can’t always stop home fires from happening. But we can make sure our loved ones are prepared.
“Get out and stay out” and many other emergency preparedness information items are available at: redcross.org.
And a quick thing to remember is Turn and Test. Every year when the clock TURNS forward or backward, TEST your fire alarm and make sure it’s working.
For 18 years we have honored Hometown Heroes in our community who have stepped up when there was a need and a call for help. Do you know someone like that? A local hero, someone who provided first-aid, saved a drowning person or even helped someone a burning car?
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
