Madison and Brandon Armet recognized by Clearwater Regional firefighters

By Brittany Willsie
Staff Reporter

On April 25, Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services (CRFRS) attended the Lochearn Elementary School assembly to recognize a student for her quick thinking and fire preparedness skills during a house fire.

Certificates of recognition were presented to 11-year-old Madison Armet and her dad, Brandon Armet, by CRFRS Captain Ken Wedman and Captain Mike VanderBaaren.

Capt. Wedman shared with the school how Madison discovered the fire and called 911.

“Today we are here to recognize and thank two individuals that safely and effectively saved their own home from fire,” began Capt. Wedman.

He said at approximately 8 p.m. on Feb. 20, Clearwater Regional firefighters were notified of a fire in someone’s house. As they raced to the fire, 911 dispatch disclosed that the call came from a child who was unsure of where her parents were. 

“The caller was able to give her address so we knew exactly where to go,” said Capt. Wedman. Madison was also able to tell emergency services where the fire was, how many floors were in her house and how many pets were in the house.

“These are all very, very important details that, as firefighters, we need to know when we’re coming to help. Thank you Madison for staying calm and doing what we as firefighters want you to do.”

The fire was located in the furnace room. Brandon Armet used his home fire extinguisher to safely put the fire out.
Capt. Wedman commended him for his quick thinking.

As the call was for a structure fire, three fire departments were dispatched to the house. Upon arrival, Capt. Wedman said his unit found the fire was gone and the other responding departments were called off.

“When we arrived at the house, the whole family was safely waiting for us on their driveway. We were relieved to not see fire, just some light smoke in the house. We quickly gathered our tools and entered the home to find the spot where the fire had been.”

This real-life story may help other students at Lochearn to be prepared in case of fire.

April 25 was also career day for the school. As the firefighters gathered at the front of the gym to recognize the Armets, some smaller audience members watched on in fire helmets.