Jonah West-Ramirez was just 9 years old when he was trapped in his burning home in Suitland last summer.
A neighbor and firefighters tried to rescue him from an upstairs room, but they couldn’t rescue him in time. The child was rushed to a hospital, where he died.
Jonah’s death devastated his family and has prompted action to try to prevent other deadly fires. Prince George’s County leaders, the fire department and faith leaders announced the Jonah West-Ramirez Smoke Alarm and Fire Safety Program on Tuesday morning.
Greater Works Ministries donated 500 smoke alarms and 500 fire extinguishers. The bulk of them will be distributed out of District 8’s four fire stations, and 100 will be handed out at an upcoming fire safety event.
Jonah was a wonderful child who was loved by many, his mother told News4.
“People think that they have the best kid ever, and I know that for me, he was the best child for me,” Dionne West said through tears. “I know he’s still with me and meant a lot to a lot of people. He was loved by a lot of people.”
The family’s home did not have a working smoke detector.
“I don’t know what would have happened if I had a working smoke detector that night. I don’t know if things would have been different,” West said. “But I know this is a step that could help other families, and hopefully other families will be more prepared in the future.”
Residents can get free smoke alarms at the Southern Regional Technology & Recreation Complex on Bock Road from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 6.
Jonah’s family also is working on fire prevention education in schools.
Sign up for our free deep-dive newsletter, The 4Front, to get standout News4 stories sent right to your inbox. Subscribe here.
from Local – NBC4 Washington https://ift.tt/OCtHRXf
0 Comments