CITY OF RENO NEWS RELEASE — On Friday, May 23, 2014, at 7:30 a.m., four Swope Middle School students will receive Reno Fire Chiefs Commendation Awards on behalf of the Reno Fire Department for their role in helping to extinguish a recent structure fire on Ferris Street.
The four teenagers — Tyler Geraci, Briar Gracey, Kaylee Lamothe and Jayde Matcham — were instrumental in attempting to extinguish the blaze that eventually spread to Reno resident Beverly Marcroft’s attic. The fire was reported shortly after 2 p.m. on Monday, May 19. The students rushed to the scene and helped another concerned citizen, Jose Marquez, locate a garden hose that he used to put out the flames.
Marcroft, 85, called the teens heroes in a Reno Gazette-Journal article that was published later that day. At one point, Tyler and Briar grabbed another hose from a neighbor’s yard to help fight the blaze.
Reno Fire Chief Michael Hernandez plans to attend the ceremony at Swope Middle School, located at 901 Keele Drive in Reno. “We count on our citizens to help us provide safe and livable neighborhoods,” Hernandez says. “This situation is an example of our community coming together in a time of crisis.”
“We appreciate the Reno Fire Department taking time out of their busy schedules to talk with our kids,” says Victoria Campbell, Public Information Officer for the Washoe County School District. “I know it will mean a lot to them and their families. We’re very proud of them.”
Attempts to contact Marquez have been unsuccessful. His commendation will remain at Reno Fire Department headquarters until he is reached.
