Back on April 14, 7-year-old Monibelle Townsend woke up after hearing a smoke alarm in her apartment near 7th Avenue and Hatcher Road in Phoenix. On high alert, Monibelle woke up her grandmother and 6-year-old autistic brother, and together the trio made it out safely.

Although the family’s home was destroyed by the fire, everyone made it out without injury. The fire took place just days after Monibelle had classes with Phoenix firefighters on how to safely get out of a house or building in the event of a fire.  Her bravery earned her a Citizen Lifesaving Award last month from the Phoenix Fire Department.