Students, staff, and local first responders came together at DeWitt Perry Middle School to honor eighth-grader Jonathan Ibarra, who heroically rescued his grandfather from a fast-moving house fire in August. During a school pep rally, both the Carrollton Fire Rescue and the Carrollton Police Department recognized Jonathan’s bravery with special commendations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The incident occurred on August 22, when Carrollton Police Officer Stovall noticed a thick cloud of black smoke nearby. Upon arriving at the scene, he discovered a home fully engulfed in flames and dense smoke. He then saw Jonathan guiding his elderly grandfather down the driveway to safety.

Jonathan later recalled that he first saw smoke in the hallway and discovered the laundry room ceiling on fire. While his grandmother attempted to fight the flames with a garden hose, he immediately went to wake and rescue his grandfather, who was still asleep at the time. All three of them managed to escape without injury.

Officer Stovall firmly believes that without Jonathan’s quick thinking and courage, his grandfather might not have survived. In recognition of his life-saving actions, both the Fire Rescue and the Police Department presented him with a Life Saving Certificate and challenge coins to commemorate his bravery.

“Jonathan didn’t hesitate to put himself between danger and the one he loved, and because of that, his grandfather is alive today,” said Michael Thomson, Chief of Carrollton Fire Rescue. “His bravery reminds us of the incredible strength that comes from caring for others and truly reflects the heart of our community.”

Perry Middle School Principal Robert Atchinson also commended Jonathan's actions as a reminder of the extraordinary things CFBISD students can achieve in moments of crisis.

“He acted with courage and love, showing what it truly means to be a hero,” said Atchinson. “We are honored to have him as part of our Perry family and grateful to the Carrollton Fire Department for recognizing his incredible act.”