KENANSVILLE — The start of a new year, also brings a new opportunity to reflect and be thankful for the every day heroes who make a difference in the community. Some make a difference with their acts of kindness, others with acts of bravery, or both.
Among these heroes, is Daniel Bell, a third-grade student at Beulaville Elementary who saved his mom’s life in the Summer of 2021 during a house fire.
The brave boy reacted quickly as he realized there was a fire in the home kitchen. He instinctively called 911 and got his mom, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, out of their home. His prompt actions saved his mom’s life.
“Although the moment he realized there was a fire in the kitchen was scary, he remembered what he had been taught to do in such a situation, called 911 and got his mother out of the house,” said a spokesperson with Duplin County Schools.”
Bell’s mom lost her balance and fell, flipping a pot that had grease on it. She suffered severe burns to her arms and upper chest and was rushed to the Jaycee Burn Center in Chapel Hill.
Bell was recently honored for his heroic actions during a surprise assembly at Beulaville Elementary.
“Daniel’s event brought out many guests to recognize and celebrate his actions on June 6, 2021, that literally saved his mother’s life,” said the spokesperson. “She is thankful for her son’s actions and the excellent care and aftercare she has received from the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center in Chapel Hill.”
Beulaville Fire Department Chief Joey Carter presented the young hero with a $500 gift card. Bell was also honored by The State Fire Marshall Department and presented with the SAVE Award, “in grateful recognition and appreciation of above and beyond action taken to save a life.”
He also received the Commissioner’s Award for Heroism during the assembly.
Representatives from The Jaycee Burn Center were also present during the special day. They honored Bell with the Save A Life Award, commending him for his courage and remaining calm under pressure.
The inscription on the plaque read: “Thank you for knowing what to do and being brave enough to do it.”