Memorial Service Held For 8-Year-Old Hero & Brother Killed In House Fire
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A hero is laid to rest. Family and friends gather to honor the life of 8-year-old Decerio Coley and his brother Sean. The two boys were killed in a fire.
Monique Griego has more on how they're being remembered.
Decerio died trying to save the lives of his little brother and sister. Now the bravery he showed that night is inspiring the entire community.
It was a somber day at the Greater Harvest Baptist Church in West Baltimore.
"It hit home. And when it hits home, it really hurts," said Dr. Andre Humphry, community liaison.
Family and friends gathered to lay to rest two little boys taken too soon--6-year-old Sean McCullough and his brother Decerio Coley.
Coley--at just 8 years old--is being hailed as a hero for saving the life of his little sister, but at the cost of his own.
"We mourn his passing, but we need to celebrate the actions of this little 8-year-old boy in his life," said Councilman William "Pete" Welch.
On June 16, a fire broke out at the family's home on Bruce Street. Flames trapped Decerio, Sean and four-year-old Wynter on the second floor.
Decerio dropped Wynter down to safety. He then rushed back in to find Sean, but the two never emerged.
"We very seldom see adults do what he did. And, in a very short period of time, to develop that type of character and love is enormous," said Welch.
At the memorial service, family and friends comforted Rokea McCullough, the boys' mother, who is dealing with an unimaginable loss.
"No mother should have to bury one child, let alone two heroic angels," Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said.
To make sure Decerio's heroic actions are remembered forever, this week the city renamed the street after him. Community members say Decerio Coley Way will be a constant reminder of what it means to be loving and brave.
"It will be an example for other young people not to sacrifice life, but to have that type of commitment toward family and friends," Welch said.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
If you would like to help the McCullough family, you can call M&T Bank. Just ask how to donate to the McCullough Fund.
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