Mike Causey, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal, went to Rochelle Middle School to present a Commissioner's Award for Heroism to Zsakiyah Sutton for her extraordinary actions during a fire in her home last November. In addition to the commissioner, members of North Lenoir Fire & Rescue, EMS, LCPS administrators, Sheriff Ronnie Ingram, and NC Representative Chris Humphrey were in attendance to support the young hero.

“The courageous acts of this young lady helped save the life of her infant brother, and for that she is a true hero,” said Commissioner Causey. “It is an honor for me to present this award to her.”

In the very early hours of Sunday, November 21, 2021, 10-year-old Zsakiyah Sutton was awakened by smoke and flames in her home on Water Chestnut Drive in Kinston, NC. She quickly oriented herself in the thick smoke and took action to locate her 1-year-old baby brother, Jamir, and safely removed him from the home. She then made multiple attempts to re-enter the structure in an effort to locate her other brother. Sadly, the heavy flames prevented Zsakiyah from making entry and her 8-year-old brother, Qwa’jay Briscoe, ultimately succumbed to heavy smoke and lost his life.

After the fire, Sutton’s grandmother reached out to Mayor Dontario Hardy who came to talk to the 10-year-old after she struggled with the loss of her brother. “I talked with her and tried to get her to think positively,” said Hardy. “That she did all that she could do and that we appreciate her. It was never her fault something like this happened and I hope that resonated with her.”

Their home was also a total loss. Without Zsakiyah’s quick actions, her 1-year-old brother would have also been lost in the fire. She undoubtedly saved his life. Her heroic efforts have been praised by her peers, her family and friends, teachers, members of the community, and fire department personnel.

We are very honored to be here today to celebrate Miss Sutton for saving her brother’s life,” said Chris Decker, Public Information Officer for North Lenoir Fire and Rescue.