Young Hurlburt hero named honorary firefighter

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Yates
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Not all heroes wear uniforms; they don’t even make uniforms small enough to fit 9-year-old Jabari Skinner.

When an electrical socket caught fire in his family’s home, Jabari immediately knew what to do. He ran and grabbed a fire extinguisher for his mother before anyone else could act, helping prevent the fire from growing and causing serious damage.

“It was just the right thing to do,” said Jabari.

Members of the base fire department paid a visit when they heard about Jabari’s bravery, naming him an honorary firefighter and gifted him a firefighter helmet.

Jabari showed that even at his young age, critical thinking skills can make a huge difference, and it was a very noble thing to do, said Jarvis Amos, a deputy fire chief with the 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron.

Jabari and his family were invited to the fire station to learn about fire prevention and how to operate a fire extinguisher in case he ever encounters another fire again.

“I’m glad that he responded as quickly as he did,” said Master Sgt. Marvin Skinner, Jabari’s father and superintendent of manpower readiness with the Air Force Special Operations Command. “He was there to do what I wasn’t able to (while TDY).”

As a final show of appreciation for Jabari’s quick and courageous actions, the young Air Commando received a challenge coin from Col. Steven Breeze, the vice commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing.

National Fire Prevention Week is October 8-14 and the Hurlburt fire station will be hosting multiple events to recognize its significance, emphasizing the importance of fire safety to every member of Team Hurlburt.