TAVARES — On Monday, May 2, at 9:30 a.m., the Department of Public Safety’s Fire Rescue Division will recognize an act of heroism made by a 10-year-old Lost Lake Elementary student.

Alexander Elrod, a fourth grader at the Clermont-area school, is being heralded as a hero for his brave and courageous actions on April 4. According to his mother, Melody Barbeaux, Alexander was playing in the Lost Lake neighborhood with a friend when he noticed a neighbor’s van was on fire. He alerted the resident about the vehicle fire and encouraged others to remain at a safe distance as he grabbed a garden hose and used it in an attempt to keep the fire from spreading.

According to fire officials, when fire-rescue personnel arrived on the scene, both vehicles in the driveway were fully engulfed in flames. Alexander’s quick thinking likely saved the home from catching fire.

“I think he acted in a mature manner beyond his years,” said Capt. Tim Crow, Fire Marshall and Fire Investigator for the Lake County Fire Rescue Division. “I would even go so far to say he acted heroically.”

County officials, including Lake County Commissioner Bob Pool, Public Safety Director Gary Kaiser and Deputy Fire Chief John Jolliff, will be in attendance at the presentation as will students from all nine, fourth-grade classes at Lost Lake Elementary.

Alexander will be commended for his actions and presented with a special hero’s certificate. Lost Lake Elementary Principal Rhonda Hunt is also expected to present Alexander with a certificate of heroic achievement.

Interested media representatives are encouraged to attend this special presentation. All visitors must sign in at the front office of Lost Lake Elementary, 1901 Johns Lake Road, Clermont, before proceeding to the 9:30 a.m. presentation in the school cafeteria.

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Contact information:
Christopher Patton
Communications Coordinator
Office: (352) 343-9609; Cell: (352) 455-0445
cpatton@co.lake.fl.us