SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – The Southfield Fire Department presented Eris Carter, 10, with the Good Samaritan Award for her extraordinary bravery and quick thinking in reporting a fire at her home.
The show of bravery occurred at around 7 p.m. on New Year’s Day, 2024, when she smelled smoke inside her Spring Haven Condo.
Carter, without hesitation, woke up her mother, Lauryne Wheeler, to report the smell.
Carter and Wheeler heard smoke detectors sounding off downstairs. Although there were no visible signs of a fire, they called 911 for help and left the condo.
The neighboring condo was engulfed in flames.
A series of seven attached condos posed a significant fire hazard, but thanks to Cartier’s swift actions, she alerted Wheeler, ensured the timely evacuation, and notified the fire department.
Her awareness and response helped prevent the fire from spreading further, sparing six units from damage and potentially saving many lives, officials said.
The neighboring condo sustained $200,000 in damages.
Cartier is a fifth-grade student at Thompson K-8 International Academy in Southfield actively involved in the arts and Girl Scouts.
The 10-year-old’s calm demeanor and presence of mind during the fire have been praised, and she has earned a commendation for her civic responsibility and heroism from Southfield Fire Chief Johnny L. Menifee at the Nov. 18 City Council Meeting.
