Douglasville, Georgia - Douglas County Fire Chief Roderick Jolivette today presented the Fire Chief’s Citizen’s Award to 11-year-old Calil Gillis and a Certificate of Appreciation was presented to his 14-year-old sister Takia Gillis for their actions during a house fire on July 4th, 2021.
“Fire safety education serves as a priority for my command staff and that’s a big reason we wanted to honor, recognize and celebrate the actions of Calil and Takia,” Fire Chief Roderick Jolivette said.
“Though the structure was a total loss, lives were not and we are grateful to acknowledge that.” Douglas County Firefighters responded on the morning of Sunday, July 4, 2021 at 7:04 a.m. to a fire at 3860 Greenbrook Drive, Douglasville, where a single-family home was found to be 50% engulfed in flames.
Five occupants evacuated the home without incident prior to the fire departments arrival. None of the occupants, ages, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 14, suffered any injuries. The property had working smoke alarms at the time of the fire.
Investigators on scene learned the fire was initially identified by 11-year-old Calil who in turn alerted his older sister, 14-year-old Takia Gillis and they both hurried to get the rest of the family members out of the burning home. Ladder operations were used, and the fire was extinguished around 9:00 a.m. The home was a total loss and damage is estimated at $120,000. Investigators are still trying to determine the cause.
For more information, please contact Rick Martin, Director of Communications & Community Relations at rickmartin@co.douglas.ga.us or 770-920-7303.
Douglas County Fire Chief Roderick Jolivette, Bryant Goodwin, Charetta Pryor, 6-year-old Giovanni, Takia Gillis, Deputy Fire Chief Miles Allen, 11-year-old Calil Gillis, Deputy Fire Chief Eric Phillips, Deputy Fire Chief Pablo Lugo.