Nine-year-old Jayme McGrew proved something firefighters have known all along. Drills work. Earlier this month, Jayme was awakened one morning by the sound of breaking glass and the smell of smoke. A family friend shouted the house was on fire and Jayme jumped into action, helping his sisters, Serenity, 8, and Rhea, 3, safely escape through a back window.

Jayme was recognized by the Arlington City Council during its October 30 evening meeting at City Hall for his heroism. Because of his quick thinking, his family escaped the fire unharmed. "I felt proud because I always try to stay positive,' said McGrew.

Firefighters say the courageous young boy did exactly what the Arlington Fire Department has been teaching area kids for several years. E.D.I.T.H. or Exit Drills In The Home can save a child's life in the event of a fire. Kids are taught to get out and stay out.

Once outside, he led his sisters across the street to a neighbor's house and waited for the firefighters to arrive. "It was just a reflex,' explained Jayme. Although the house was practically destroyed, Arlington firefighters were able to save Jayme's two dogs and a pet lizard, which was found running loose in the front yard.

By Reginald Lewis