9-Year-Old Iowa Boy Helps Firefighters Save Lives!

A young Iowa boy is being recognized for the job he did following the recent snowstorm that hit the state. In fact, it might have helped to save lives.

Contest Held to Clear Snow from Fire Hydrants

KCCI reports that 9-year-old Colton Holmes is being hailed a hero. But if you ask Colton, he was just trying to win a contest! The city of Fort Dodge, Iowa, had a citywide contest that encouraged children from across the city to clear snow from fire hydrants. If you took part, you just might win a free ride to school on a fire truck! Colton told KCCI that playing in the snow and helping out at the same time was a "no-brainer."

Colton Might Have Helped Save Lives

It turns out that Colton cleared the right fire hydrant. KCCI reports that just a day after the contest, a fire hydrant Colton cleared was used when firefighters responded to a blaze at a two-story residence. Seven people and six dogs were displaced, but no injuries were reported. A big reason why? Fort Dodge fire officials told KCCI that "fires can double in size every minute. The fact we didn't have to dig out a hydrant saved us an immense amount of time."

Colton Saves the Day AND Gets His Prize!

KCCI reports that Fort Dodge fire officials have given Colton an official fire patch, and he'll get that ride to school on a fire truck next week. Not bad for a kid who just wanted to play in the snow.

Nice job, Colton!