15-year-old babysitter recognized for heroic action during fire

HIGH RIDGE, Mo. - 15-year-old Savannah Strother was at a neighbor's house in early July, babysitting one-year-old Alyiah and three-year-old Brysen, when a massive fire broke out between the family’s house and their neighbor.

Flames quickly spread to the house where Savannah and the children were, and the teen acted without hesitation to get the kids out of the house uninjured.

A home security camera captured dramatic footage of the babysitter in action. With Alyiah cradled in her arms and Brysen's hand firmly in hers, she courageously opened the front door to reveal the flames outside and led the children to safety—something the teen says came naturally to her as the oldest child in her family.

“She’s very mature; she has this little motherly instinct in her that is amazing," Savannah's mother, Brittany, said. "She’s really good with her three younger sisters. She is my little partner forever.”

Savannah was recognized Monday for her extremely heroic actions by the Board of Directors of the High Ridge Fire Protection District. An awards ceremony was held for her at the High Ridge station, where she was awa...