 Max Willette stands with his mom, Alice, at the South Berwick Fire Department on Sunday after a ceremony where he recieved an award for saving her life from a blaze at their home. (Cheryl Senter photo) |
By Dave Choate, Seacoast Online
Monday, October 05, 2009 2:00 AM
SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — In the wake of a tragic fire which claimed his home, one teenager was recognized this weekend for his bravery during the blaze.
The South Berwick Fire Department on Sunday made 13-year-old Max Willette an honorary firefighter after he awoke in a house on fire and got himself and his mother to safety shortly before the home became fully engulfed in flames.
South Berwick Fire Chief George Gorman presented Max with a plaque and praised his "outstanding valor" in the ceremony, which the teenager in his Boy Scout uniform quietly accepted.
The Willette family home burned to the ground in September following a fire that raced through the house, engulfing the frame within minutes. Max was sleeping on the couch and woke up shortly before 12:15 a.m. on Sept. 22 to find flickering lights and fire. He ran upstairs and knocked on the wall of his sister's room to wake her, though she was not home, and woke his mother, Alice, as the two ran out of the building after grabbing a phone in order to dial 911.
Gorman showed the Herald a picture of the home on fire that he said was taken about five minutes after the building ignited, shortly before South Berwick companies arrived to battle the blaze. Flames could be seen coming out of every window and even the shingles on the roof were burning, and Gorman said that Max's quick thinking and fast response were the only things that saved him and his mother.
"The actions that he did probably saved both their lives," Gorman said. "Another minute and they would not have made it out of the building."
The family lost two dogs, a kitten and a turtle, but aside from some singed hair, Alice Willette said she and Max were fine. Alice said the family plans to re-build the home as soon as possible, this time as more of a cottage-style house instead of the destroyed two-and-a-half story saltbox structure.
She said many people have asked her if she was afraid the morning of the fire, which the Maine Fire Marshal's Office determined in September was caused accidentally, and she said she could not clearly recall.
Standing together, Alice and children Rebekah and William, who were not home at the time of the fire, said the response of the community has been overwhelming. On Sunday, the local Boy Scout Troop 338, which Max belongs to, presented donations on behalf of the troop and area businesses, and South Berwick Rescue and Pet Paradise gave Max a turtle tank and supplies in case he decides to get another turtle after losing his longtime pet in the fire.
Family members said they wanted to thank the neighbors and friends who have put them up, helped them with supplies and necessities, and rallied around them the morning of the fire. Alice also praised the firefighters for their efforts to save the home and their support during a difficult time.
"The real story is the community and the wonderful support we've gotten," Alice Willette said. "We're blessed."
"It's the love of the community. I've never felt more loved," Rebekah added. "And Max, our hero."
The fire department also received a blessing for all its firefighters and the station's new pumper truck, which Father John Skehan, department chaplain, said he hoped would be a "source of pride" for the department and town. Gorman said the biggest difference is that the newer truck has a completely enclosed cab, meaning that firefighters will no longer have to sit exposed to the air during difficult weather.
Pending approval from the Town Council, the 22-year-old fire engine the department is replacing will be sold to firefighters in Woodstock, Maine.
Gorman said the second annual open house also kicked off Fire Prevention Week for the department. Many residents came out to enjoy food cooked by the department, talk with firefighters wearing their dress uniforms and watch their children clamber for a look at the new fire truck and practice rolling up fire hose.
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