Courtney Greene, a 7th-grader in Ms. Saylor's class at Flood Middle School, was honored with the 1st place prize in the Black History Month Essay Contest sponsored by the Stratford Library and the South End Community Center.

Courtney wrote her prize-winning essay as a tribute to her father, Bridgeport firefighter Anthony Greene.

Courtney and other students who submitted prize-winning art work, essays and poetry were recognized in the annual celebration at the library on Feb. 11.

Her essay follows:

My Hero

By Courtney Greene

He wakes up hearing an alarm. It is time to get ready for the roaring beast. The next thing he knows, he is in the massive truck riding up to the fiery foe. It was more ominous than usual. It was scarlet, oranges, yellows, and coal black smoke blasting from its mouth. It had enveloped an entire house.

He is the one who has that forceful sword to cut through it. He knows his life is at risk. Anthony Greene is a firefighter. Anthony Greene is my father. Anthony Greene is my hero.

A walking example of courage, he goes into burning houses, and puts them out, at his own risk. He has even been on TV once or twice. I am so proud of him!

He also gets people out of burning cars or puts the burning car out, he goes on medicals and performs CPR if he has to, and gives people oxygen masks.

Sometimes my dad has to sleep at the firehouse, which means that he is working nights. The alarm can wake him up any time. For example, one time he had a fire at 3:00 am. My dad works both days, and overnight shifts.

To leave work he has to be released by someone else coming into his shift. My hero would do anything to get someone out of a burning building.

I remember one time my dad told me a story about a fire. It was on the East Side of the city. He does not remember the exact date but he said it was in the summer.

The building that was on fire was an abandoned apartment. When he got there flames were shooting out of everywhere. There was a lot of people on the street who felt the need to assist the fire department because this happen to be a daytime fire. This did not make my dad nervous he just kept at his job. 

My hero went up to the first flight of stairs and saw the horrendous black smoke. There was so much smoke that he could not even see. His ladder team said that the fire was in the other room. It was time to call for the water, test it, and get the fire out. The monster was back again! The fire was all over the room. My father was able to put the fire out without it spreading to any other apartment or business. When he and his team went outside they got a standing ovation.

Not only is Mr. Greene the most caring, loving man I know he is hilarious.

What makes me laugh is when he makes weird faces. Whenever he gets home from work, I can tell he is tired but, he will always be there to make me smile.

My dad also, always tries to help me with my homework. It's a little hard because I get off topic sometimes, but he is right there to put me back on topic. He also plays with my sister and I. For example, he plays the Wii with us, board games, playing outside, and many more.

When I am depressed, my dad always tries to cheer me up. When it is summer, our favorite thing to do is go to the Shelton Sports Place and play our favorite sport, mini golf. Then finally, we go to Dairy Queen and get ice cream. I just love my dad for being so caring!

In conclusion, the African American I emulate the most is my dad, Anthony Greene. He will always be my hero!