by My-Island-Jamaica
(JIS Article)It is a deed many would have shied away from, but then only 10 years old, Toni-Ann Miller, in a courageous act of selflessness, rushed into a burning building to save the lives of two children.
A year following the incident, Toni-Ann, now 11, is being recognized by the country for her bravery and is to be conferred with a Badge of Honour for Gallantry at the National Honours and Awards Ceremony, to be held on National Heroes Day, Monday, October 20, on the lawns of King’s House.
Her own safety was the furthest from her mind when Toni-Ann quickly responded to the cries of a little boy who was trapped in a blazing house, thick billows of black smoke signaling that he was in serious danger.
Sharing her experience with JIS News, Toni-Ann recalls that she was on her way home from school with friends in the Mount Hermon community of St Catherine, when they came upon the burning structure, which Toni-Ann fearlessly entered upon hearing the desperate cries inside.
After rescuing the six year old, who came away unhurt, Toni-Ann, who knows the child asked him for his younger brother. Learning he was inside sleeping, without hesitation, she again stared boldly into the face of danger, re-entering the building to take the five year old boy to safety. By this time, Toni-Ann notes that “half of the bed was burning”. The younger boy sustained minor burns to one of his arms.
Toni-Ann’s caregiver, who is also her cousin, Judeen Cunningham, tells JIS News that she is convinced that “Toni-Ann doesn’t realise (the significance of) what she did (up to now).”
She says Toni-Ann unknowingly placed herself in extreme danger, recalling the account of an eyewitness on the scene who said the concrete to the front door of the house gave way just as Toni-Ann emerged with the second child.
Judeen says she’s very proud of her cousin, who has been living with her since November of last year, and expressed amazement at Toni-Ann’s act of heroism, quipping that “(I) myself wouldn’t do that”.
The question on many person’s lips, including her family is how Toni-Ann did it. Providing some insight, Toni-Ann shares that “I saw my father doing it already”.
Confirming that he carried out an act of braveness about a year and a half ago, Melvern Miller says he is humbled that his daughter has followed in his footsteps, and is happy she was not harmed.
Recalling the incident with laughter in his voice, Mr.
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