Local high schooler awarded for helping grandmother out of burning home

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — A local high school student was recognized by CrimeStoppers Wednesday morning.

Jonathan Raplee earned the 2022 Good Citizen Award.

Raplee is a 10th grader at Churchville Chili High School.

This recognition is for his brave actions during a tragic house fire last October, that destroyed his home. Jonathan was home with his grandmother, Nancy Pimm, when he smelled smoke.

He helped Pimm out of the house and called 911 as they escaped.

"I thought my grandson burnt some toast, so I came out ready to scold him ‘what are you burning, what are you burning’ and then of course I realized it was more than just toast," Pimm said. "From there, I didn’t blackout, didn’t get confused, but I didn’t know what the next step was. And Jonathan just took my hand, turned me around, and out the back door. He headed towards the swing set. That is our plan in case of a fire and we had just practiced it because it was Fire Prevention Week."

Raplee also received a "Do the Right Thing" award from RPD back in March.