Girl, 4, awarded first-ever Citizen’s Award for saving apartment complex in Southfield

SOUTHFIELD — The Southfield Fire Department awarded its first-ever Citizen Award to a unique recipient, a 4-year-old girl.

Cora Bisono was presented the Citizen Award for her bravery and quick action to alert her mother of a fire in their apartment complex at 42 West Apartments, on 12 Mile Road, in December.

Katherine Bisono, Cora’s mother, explained that she and Cora had gotten into a little bit of an argument because she didn’t want to go to school that day, Dec. 20, 2022. After a lot of back and forth, Katherine relented because she had the day off. She took Cora downstairs with her to get a package from the complex’s leasing room. Cora went to play outside in the courtyard while her mother retrieved the package. When Katherine returned to check on Cora, the girl said, “Mom, I think there’s something up there,” as she motioned to a cloud of smoke in the sky.

Katherine corrected her, stating, “No, I think they’re just grilling some meat or something.”

But Cora was insistent that there was a fire and began to scream, “Fire, everyone get out!”

Her mother then promptly called 911.

Cora’s persistence averted a major crisis from occurring, with minimal damage to the building and no injuries.

Katherine was amazed that her little girl knew what to do in a fire and acted so fast.

“I was so impressed that she knew what to do, and I asked her, ‘How did you know to do that?’ And she said that she just knew. That moment was awesome. They came 10 minutes after the call. Thank God I had to pick up a package.”

On Friday, Feb. 10, the Southfield Fire Department held a breakfast in honor of Cora. She was introduced to Chief Johnny Menifee, who presented her with special gift bags. She was then announced to 24 firefighters, who applauded her as they formed a human tunnel for her to enter through. At the end of the tunnel, Sparky the Fire Dog greeted her. Cora, her mother, and her special guest enjoyed pictures with the firefighters, a cake with ice cream, and a ride on the new ladder truck. Amid all the excitement and attention on her, Cora said that she felt “a little bit shy but very happy.”

On Monday, Feb. 13, Menifee presented Cora with the Citizen Award Medal, which was the first to be presented since the Fire Department revamped its award program.

Battalion Chief Patrick Charette stated that Cora’s actions were “truly notable as a 4-year-old.”