Downers Grove Boy Honored For His Winning Fire Escape Plan

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Nine-year-old Jake Lazzeri takes fire safety "super seriously," and for good reason. Jake's father, John Lazzeri, was saved by the New York City Fire Department twice. Once, when they rescued him from an apartment fire, and later when they rescued him following the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

The Henry Puffer Elementary School third-grader's dedication to fire safety recently earned him a special visit from the Downers Grove Fire Department after his home fire escape video won a district-wide contest.

Jake told Patch he had the option to submit his fire escape plan on paper or on video. Jake says he chose the video format because it allowed him to show the smoke detectors in each room (except his older sister Alexa's room, which is strictly off limits). He was also able to "explain more" about his family's fire escape plan, including demonstrating the ladders they would use to escape from the house's upper level.

As it turns out, filming videos is one of Jake's passions. "I like building things and taking videos and making movies," Jake told Patch.

In all, Jake said it took about an hour to make the video, which illustrates how his family would safely get out of their home in case of fire.

Typically, the contest winners get to ride along in a fire truck with members of the Downers Grove Fire Department. Due to coronavirus, there was no ridealong this year.

Instead, as one of the contest's winners, Jake got a pizza from Aurelio's delivered to him by the Downers Grove Fire Department. Jake told Patch he opted for a bacon pizza because, "Who doesn't like bacon?"

Jake also got to climb inside the fire truck, flash the lights and honk the siren. He received an honorary sticker badge too.

Kids who live nearby came to see what the excitement was all about, Jake's mom, Maryann Lazzeri, told Patch. When all was said and done, Jake told his family it was the "best day ever."

Jake told Patch he wants others to know how important it is to have a fire escape plan and to practice that fire escape plan, so it becomes second nature in case of an emergency.

For Jake, it comes naturally to help other people stay safe. The urge to help others is something that fuels a lot of this 9-year-old's bold ambition.

As for his future, Jake told Patch, "I haven't really decided if I want to have a regular job or be President."

Watch Jake's Fire Escape Video Below: