BEDFORD – Marko dela Cruz was named an honorary firefighter for the Bedford Fire Department on Monday, following his efforts to help his neighbors during a fire at their home in the 1300 block of Q Street on the morning of March 20.
According to Bedford Fire Department Chief John Hughes, Cruz noticed a neighbor standing in the street that morning yelling for help as his home was on fire. In response, Hughes said Cruz quickly woke his parents up to ask them to call 911 for help.
“Marko yelled to wake up his mom and dad, saying ‘we need to call 911,'” Hughes said. “Marko knew exactly what to do and remained calm.”
Hughes went on to say that he was proud of Cruz for properly utilizing fire prevention techniques he had been taught in school.
“I’m proud of this young man, Marko’s actions the morning of the 20th prove that our fire prevention programs work. We’re into our schools, great schools, every October and this right here shows that what we teach the kids works.”
