National Certificate of Merit Awarded for Heroism, Skill, and Bravery

National awards for lifesaving and meritorious action are made only for outstanding and unusual acts that demonstrate unusual heroism, skill, or bravery and reflect Scouting ideals. Applications for such awards are reviewed by the National Council for approval.  The National Certificate of Merit may be awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has performed a significant act of service that is deserving of special national recognition.

In October of 2010 while a Tiger Scout with Cub Scout Pack 19, Jeremiah Diehl noticed the Smoke detector going off in the basement of his home; due to his persistence, skill and knowledge he was able to convince his mother and sister to exit the home and call 911. Elgin Firefighters were able to respond and safely extinguish the fire. Due to this act of bravery, Jeremiah was able to save his family and prevent further loss of property from a dryer fire that had started in the basement of the home. Three Fires Council, Shabbona District, Cub Scout Pack 19 at Epworth United Methodist Church in Elgin would like to recognize Cub Scout, Jeremiah Joseph Scott Diehl for his act of heroism by presenting him with the Boy Scout’s National Certificate of Merit. The award is being presented for finding a dryer fire and getting his Mother and Sister out of the house when he was a Tiger Scout in 2010. The award was presented to Jeremiah at the South Elgin Fire District Fire Station 22 on Thursday, May 30th at 6:30 pm.

“Jeremiah is a great example of the lessons that Scouting helps young people learn at an age appropriate level,” stated Matthew Ackerman Scout Executive of the Three Fires Council. “He acted clearly and quickly in an emergency situation, and we are grateful to his leaders and family who helped train him to how to respond.”     The National Certificate of Merit may be awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has performed a significant act of service that is deserving of special national recognition. First awarded in 1989. •         Awarded in 2012: 53 •         Cumulative awards since 1989: 1,698.

Three Fires Council, BSA serves youth throughout Kane, DuPage, Kendall, DeKalb, and parts of Will and Cook counties. Our mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. For more information please visit www.threefirescouncil.org or www.BeAScout.org ###