Operations & Training

Girl Honored by Tenn. Firefighters For Saving Her Dad

April 17, 2013

Honored for her life saving actions, Rosalyn Weeks of Memphis got a ride in a department SUV and an award for calling 911 after her father collapsed.

Source The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tenn.

Rosalyn Weeks, 7, gets a huge hug from firefighter/paramedic Natalie Thomas following a ceremony in which Weeks was recognized by the Memphis Fire Department Tuesday, April 16, 2013, for her actions that saved her dad's life when he collapsed after his heart stopped beating due to congestive heart failure in September 2012. Thomas was one of the first responders from Engine 29 that made the scene after Weeks' quick thinking.

April 17--Rosalyn Weeks went from normal 7-year-old to "heroine" in a matter of seconds after her father Jacques Weeks collapsed last year.

"He hit the floor hard," Rosalyn said as she wiped tears of nervousness from her face Tuesday while describing what happened during a ceremony to honor her life saving actions. "I went outside, called 911 and got help for him."

Weeks, 47, who suffers from congestive heart failure, was revived by firefighters last August. He was in a coma for four days but regained his motor skills and was able to thank the men and women who responded to his daughter's call.

"I appreciate it," Weeks said as he went down a line of emergency personnel in postgame style.

In an interview, Weeks said he doesn't remember much from that day. "It feels good" to be alive.

Rosalyn got a hero's welcome Tuesday as she arrived at the Fire Museum of Memphis, via a Memphis Fire Department SUV, to the ceremony recognizing her and the firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians who worked for 24 minutes to revive Weeks.

Jasmine Weeks, Jacques Weeks' wife, gushed about her daughter as she spoke on behalf of the family and praised God and the firefighters for their efforts.

"You don't know how much you helped my family," Jasmine Weeks, 35, said to fire personnel with tears streaming down her face. "Rosalyn you are a special little girl. I'm so thankful that you did what you did."

Rosalyn was too shy to stand in front of the group so her honors were presented at her seat.

Fire Director Alvin Benson called the small, timid girl with her hair in pigtails and adorned with ribbons, an inspiration.

"When I was seven I spent my time hiding in closets," Benson said admiring her actions before presenting a gift basket with plush toys and other fire memorabilia.

"The bravery that this little girl showed, when most would've panicked, showed that courage has no age limit," Benson said. "She was cool under pressure."