A Chesterfield County girl has been honored with the Medal of Valor for saving her family from a house fire earlier this year. Mackenzie Price, now 10, was recognized at a ceremony on October 7 for her actions on January 12, when she alerted her family to a fire that started in her bedroom.
Price woke up to light and heat in her room and quickly realized something was wrong. She shouted “Fire!” which woke her mother. Acting without hesitation, she woke her three-year-old sister and guided her out of the smoke-filled room before alerting her brother. The family of five then escaped the house together while their father called emergency services.
Chesterfield County Administrator Dr. Joe Casey said, “She did what she did without being trained to do so. She went above and beyond the call of any citizen’s duty, for the sake of saving lives.”
Investigators later determined that a space heater under Price’s desk had caused the fire. Thanks to Price’s quick response, everyone survived.
David F. Tesh, master of ceremonies at the award event, told Price: “Mackenzie, you are a true hero in the eyes of your family and all of us in Chesterfield County.”
Lt. Thomas Varner presented Price with the Medal of Valor and remarked, “Tonight, we have the privilege of presenting one of our citizens with the highest decoration for bravery you can receive.” He added: “The bravery and heroic effort involved in attempting to save the life of another in the face of grave danger is truly a risk to take. But it is seldom debated for very long in the hearts and minds of those citizens who choose to help another.”
Though Price’s family lost their home and belongings just weeks after Christmas, Chesterfield County Fire and EMS recognized her courage at their station in January by donating toys to help brighten their holiday season.
The family remains displaced but hopes to return home by November.
Price has also been named an honorary firefighter for her actions during the emergency.
Her story has drawn praise throughout Chesterfield County as an example that heroism is not limited by age or experience but defined by instinct and care for others.
