Young Hero Awards Program

A program to recognize young people who respond correctly to emergencies as a result of fire and life safety education.
The words "SAFE Young Heroes"

The Young Hero award recognizes a child, family or group of children who respond appropriately in an emergency by demonstrating key fire and life safety behaviors learned from a SAFE program. Behaviors include:

  • Dialing 911 to report an incident and calmly providing information to a dispatcher 
  • Performing a lifesaving medical maneuver
  • Exiting their home when a smoke alarm sounds and bringing family members out with them

This child's meritorious actions can be recognized with a Young Hero award. Over 300 children have been recognized with Young Hero awards since the program began in 1995.

Success Stories

A narrative list of Young Heroes for the last 5 years. 

Nominate and Recognize a Young Hero

Fill out this form to nominate a Young Hero.

Each Young Hero is presented with a Certificate of Recognition and a Young Hero T-shirt in a ceremony. Each presentation should be unique and respond to the wishes of the family and child. Ask parents for input. Ceremonies can be formal or informal. They can be held at town hall with town officials, at the firehouse with the Fire Chief, or in a school assembly. School assembly presentations both recognize the child in front of peers and give fire educators a second opportunity to interact with the students about fire safety. 

Remember to:

  • Focus on the award recipient and their actions 
  • Give credit to your SAFE Program
  • Make the community aware of your department's efforts and take satisfaction in its success
  • Include town officials, state representatives and state senators whose support for the SAFE Program is crucial.
  • Notify the local media. Both the "Young Hero" and your SAFE. Program deserve to be publicly acknowledged.
  • Tips for planning a ceremony.

Contact   for Young Hero Awards Program

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