WHEREAS, On Saturday, May 27
,
2017, at approximately 10:30 am, a fire started inside of a toaster oven at a row home on the 1000 block of Flanders Road in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia
.
Eight family members were inside of the residence at the time
; and
WHEREAS,
As the family escaped, they realized their 1-year-old relative, Bryce, was still inside as flames billowed out of the window. That is when Brent “Rudy” Edwards, a sophomore at Overbrook High School, ran into the house to rescue his 1-year-old nephew
; and
WHEREAS, The house was overcome with smoke as Edwards ran in. H
e couldn’t see anything as he searched frantically for his nephew then suddenly he heard a sound—the baby’s cough. Edwards
reached out, grabbed a tiny arm, and scooped up his nephew Bryce. Holding him close to his chest, Edwards staggered back outside, where he gave the baby to his mother and collapsed on the landing; and
WHEREAS, Overcome by smoke inhalation,
Edwards was taken to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He was released the following day.
As Edwards recovers, he is grateful that his baby nephew is alive and well; and
WHEREAS, In the words of Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr
.
, “
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige and even his life for the welfare of others”
; and
WHEREAS,
Too often, Philadelphia’s “everyday heroes” go unacknowledged when they step up and act on someone else’s behalf.
More often these days, we hear about the selfishness of young people. The actions of Brent “Rudy” Edwards is an example of altruism, selflessness, compassion and bravery; and
WHEREAS,
It is a pleasure and a great privilege to be able to acknowledge a City of Philadelphia resident who goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the well-being and safety of another individual; now, therefore
,
be it,
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes the heroism of Brent “Rudy” Edwards that occurred on Saturday, May 27, 2017, when he rescued his 1-year-old nephew from a fire in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia
.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Brent “Rudy” Edwards as evidence of the sincere respect and appreciation of this legislative body.
End