On Tuesday night, the Milwaukee Police Department honored hundreds of officers and citizens who went the extra step to save lives, often risking their own in the process.
One of the most touching moments of the night was when the family of brave 10-year-old Kevin Little took the stage.
“He’s getting this award for being a hero,” said Areial Rice, Kevin’s mother. “For saving his grandma, siblings and cousins.”
On Oct. 20, 2015, Little woke-up to smoke and fire. He ran to wake up his grandma, and helped her get four other children out of the house. She didn’t know he went back in for his two-year-old cousin, Tae’Najah.
When firefighters arrived, Kevin was found in an upstairs bedroom, lying on top of Tae’Najah. He had tried to shield her from the flames. Both of them lost their lives.
“I can only imagine what kind of man he would have grown up to be if he did this at the age of 10,” Rice said. “He was so brave. I’m so proud of who he was. I miss him everyday. Losing a child never gets easier. I ask him to help give me the strength to go on without him.”
She shared what she misses most.
“His laughs, his smile, his goofiness,” she said. “Just hearing his voice. I haven’t heard his voice in so long. I only have a couple short videos of him on my phone, but I play them all the time just to listen to that voice.”
Kevin’s voice was in her head as she and his father accepted an MPD Merit Award on Kevin’s behalf. A 10-year-old honored as one of our city’s bravest. He gave the ultimate sacrifice to help others.
Kevin’s grandma watched and cried. His brothers, sisters, and cousins—who he took by the hand and helped out of the burning house—were also in the crowd.
“They ask about him all the time,” Rice said. “They say they wish they could go to heaven to see him.”
She hopes their loss serves as a reminder to other families.
“Cherish your kids,” she said. “Say I love you. Life is too short, and you never know what it will bring.”
Detectives determined the fire that killed Kevin and his younger cousin was intentionally set. A suspect was arrested for the crime, and is now in jail.
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