Welcome to the Evolving Folks Project’s Evolved “Young” Man of the Week profile. Today, we will highlight historical and contemporary figures who embody what it means to be an evolved person, famous and non-famous. The world needs to know their stories and deeds. This week’s honor goes to the Virginia native and honorary firefighter, Romir Parker.
People celebrated a twelve-year-old Petersburg boy as a hero for rescuing his two younger brothers and grandmother from a recent house fire. For his bravery during an incident on June 3rd, 2025, the seventh-grader Parker received a special proclamation from the Petersburg City Council.
On the day of the incident, the young hero immediately went to the couch where his one- and two-year-old brothers slept. It wasn’t a simple matter, though, to get everyone to safety. While battling the rapidly spreading fire and thick smoke, Parker also got his grandmother out of the house. Unambiguously, Petersburg Fire Chief Wayne Hoover condemned Parker’s actions, notwithstanding the speed of his team’s response. The young man was a lifesaver for his family.
The city of Petersburg recognized Parker’s exceptional bravery and composure in a formal proclamation, noting that his actions were remarkable for someone so young. According to Hoover, Parker will have a job waiting for him at the fire brigade when he turns eighteen, should he want it.
Here is little Romir Parker in his own words about his heroic rescue of his family:
“I picked both of them up. I grabbed them; they were on opposite ends of the couch. I grabbed them, I grabbed my 2-year-old brother, then I grabbed the 1-year-old, cause the 1-year-old is smaller, and I fitted them inside my arms and we ran outside the house.”
The Evolving Folks Project congratulates Romir for his quick thinking and bravery in saving his family during this time of danger. We wish him all the best in his endeavors as a future firefighter when he grows up. Where Romir can continue to save lives and make a positive impact on his community. Today, we honor Romir Parker as our Evolved “Young” Man of the Week.
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