Deseret News | Orem boy's actions save family from fire

Reader comments
Orem boy's actions save family from fire

TKC | 11:23 p.m. Feb. 2, 2009

Way to go dude! That is awesome how great you responded!!

Inspiring | 1:35 a.m. Feb. 3, 2009

Great story...a feel-good example of what a fired up 12-year-old can do!

What was that people were saying about how hopeless young people were these days?

Think again....

Wow | 2:32 a.m. Feb. 3, 2009

Well done, Garrek. God bless you and your family.

Comments continue below

sophie UK | 5:32 a.m. Feb. 3, 2009

How come the children were left in the care of a 12 year old?.

S Wï¿½Jerusalem | 5:56 a.m. Feb. 3, 2009

Garrek, sounds like you're a great kid. I'm glad that you got your footballï¿½never lose it. Keep using your head like that and you'll do great things in life!

To sophie UK | 7:21 a.m. Feb. 3, 2009

The children were left in his care because he had the capacity to be responsible for their well-being, as demonstrated. Duh!

Sherry | 7:25 a.m. Feb. 3, 2009

Sophie, a 12 year old is old enough in our country to babysit. And it sounds like he is more mature then some. I think they were lucky to have such a prepared young man in charge. Well done Garrek!

Scouter | 7:58 a.m. Feb. 3, 2009

The Boy Scouts of America awards young scouts medals for lifesaving and displaying the highest attributes of Scouting. I suggest that someone in his BSA district recommend him for such an award. Actions like his need to be formally recognized.

to Sophie UK | 8:25 a.m. Feb. 3, 2009

He wasn't the oldest, there was an older sister. My brother and I were left to care for our younger sisters around that age as well. The parents took a quick trip, and as we all know, disaster can happen at any moment, whether parents are there or not.

Good for Garrett and for the BSA and for all the lessons taught to our youth and for his prompt response (and having paid attention)

This just underscores the importance of having a plan - if the house has to be evacuated, where are you going to meet up later? Parents do also want to consider the possibility of something happening during their quick trips out of the house. If their kids can handle it, fine, no problem there.

Anonymous | 9:59 a.m. Feb. 3, 2009

Why would you Question leaving them with this 12 year old? He rescued his family and shut off the breaker! How many adults would remember to shut off the breaker!?

Nice job man!

Brandon | 10:18 a.m. Feb. 3, 2009

Way to go Garrek! Good luck Tim & Jalene, you guys are in our prayers!!!

Bonnie | 11:25 a.m. Feb. 3, 2009

Garrek's family could not be more proud of him. He is a responsible young boy who acted no different than his own parents would have if they were in Garrek's position. He is a blessing to his family!

Amy | 11:32 a.m. Feb. 3, 2009

Impressive actions and quick thinking in an emergency! Garrett, you are to be commended for this, as are his parents for raising such a responsible boy.

Yay!! | 11:53 a.m. Feb. 3, 2009

It's a good thing he saved his football from BYU!! I'm sure God was watching over him and his family. I'm so glad no one was called to the Lord's side sooner than expected. The BSA always makes sure little boys are trained with life saving skills- Way to go!!!

God bless you!!

Great Example | 12:34 p.m. Feb. 3, 2009

Way to go Garret. For our next family home evening, we'll be reading this story to the kids. Glad you are well and safe and thought of your family members. You're going to be a great dad someday!

Aubrey | 9:32 p.m. Feb. 3, 2009

Glad you guys are okay Tim and Jalene (and kids). Garrek looks so grown up, and obviously. Please let us know if you need anything. We love you!

Jane Lott | 10:59 p.m. Feb. 3, 2009

Hey I'm Garrek's older sister, I'm 14. Garrek and his friend were in the house on the computer when he heard the fire alarm. Our next door neighbor told him it was just the dishwasher but he told her otherwise and got the baby out, our 3 other sisters were next door playing with the neighbors. After he handed the baby to our sister Helen(9) he ran back in and turned off the breakers. Then he called my mom and dad, who were almost home anyway (they were running an errand)and they started hearing sirens(Our next door neighbor had called 911). During all of this my Grandpa, Uncle, and I were all on our way to lunch when my grandpa got a call from my aunt that my house was on fire. We hurried home to see all of the people in the neighborhood crowding outside to watch. After the fire was totally extiquished and the fire trucks and everything were gone me and some of my friends went in with some neighbors and got as much clothes as we could find that were not totally distroyed. (to be continued... :D)

Kylie | 6:53 p.m. Feb. 4, 2009

My cousin (Emma) is friends with Jane and she told me all about it way to go Garrek your a hero! lol. I think that is a great example of loving your sisters (=-) ) Congrats!

close friend | 8:15 p.m. Feb. 4, 2009

Your awesome!! Great job bless your family!

Shane M | 8:29 a.m. Feb. 7, 2009

Great Job Garrek!! Sorry to hear about the loss of your home, but so happy to know that everyone is safe. To TJ and Gypsy: You have a wonderful and great family. Sorry to have to reconnect friendships under such circumstances. We both were so shocked to see the article in the paper. If there is anything we can do for you, please communicate. Look us up in St. George. Happy you are all well and safe! God bless you.

Eagle Scout in Texas | 12:54 p.m. Feb. 10, 2009

Great job, Garrek!
I agree with Scouter.
Thanks, Jane, for sharing the additional details! You have such an awesome brother to help look out for you and your sisters.

Emma | 6:11 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

Hey!
I'm Jane(Garrek's older sister) friend. Garrek is such a funny kid. I think it is awesome that he could be a "little hero" (his nickname from me)and save the baby. When I heard the news I ran to the Lott's home and me and Jane shared one of those dramatic movie hugs (we were both crying and we ran into each other's arms). It is so cool to see how much people care and stepped in to help.

Natalie N. | 6:18 p.m. Feb. 17, 2009

Garrek, you are awesome. Pretty impressive that you remembered to turn off the breakers. And good job at remembering Anna. Just don't get a big head after all this. :) See you around!

anonymous | 7:53 p.m. May 18, 2009

wow! that was pretty awesome!

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.