Redlands Fire Department Firefighters Make Surprise School Visit to Congratulate 9-Year-Old

REDLANDS – Blaise Sadler wasn’t trying to be a hero.

The 9-year-old was just trying to help his grandmother.

Blaise, a third-grader at Crafton Elementary School, was with his grandmother when she was forced to pull over to the side of the road. It was a medical emergency, and she needed help.

Blaise grabbed the cell phone and called 9-1-1.

“I was a little nervous about my grandma,” Blaise said. “I didn’t know what was going to happen.”

He didn’t know the specifics of his location but provided enough details of his surroundings that the 9-1-1 operator was able to dispatch paramedics and a team from the fire department.

Blaise’s grandmother is recovering.

“I was wondering if my grandma was going to be OK,” Blaise said. “And if they were going to take good care of her. I love her.”

It was a textbook performance by Blaise, who was awarded with a certificate of honor during a surprise visit to his classroom Wednesday by members of the Redlands Fire Department.

“He did awesome,” said Capt. Chris Randolph of the RFD.

The Redlands Fire Department makes numerous visits to schools in the community to provide instruction on how children should deal with emergency situations.

“This is a perfect example of why we come to schools and explain the 9-1-1 system,” Randolph said. “We want kids to get used to using the cell phone and talking to people. For 9 years old he is well beyond his years. He did good.”

Blaise walked into class and beamed a smile when he saw the firefighters and his parents.

“I thought it was very cool of them to come down here,” Blaise’s mother Marsha said. “And it may help other kids if they ever need help.”