VIDEO: Congresswoman Judy Biggert Honors Lemont's 7-Year-Old Fire Hero

U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-13th) honored Lemont first-grader in Congress last week for her heroics during a house fire in April.

On April 21, 7-year-old Beranek visited the Lemont Fire Station 1 with her Daisy Girl Scout troop to learn fire safety and prevention tips. The presentation was led by Jeff Hawthorne, director of fire safety for the .

Just two days later, a fire broke out in the laundry room of the Beraneks' home.

While Abby's mom, Beth Beranek, ran to gather her youngest three children, Abby remained calm. Using lessons from her field trip two days earlier, she made sure her family got out of the house immediately and and that no one else tried to enter.

"During the fire house visit, Abby learned to 'get out and stay out,' and that's exactly what she did," Beth Beranek said. "We also had discussed where we would meet in the event of a fire, so she knew to go to the neighbors, and was able to help me get my 18-month-old boys and 3-month-old girl over there, too."

Abby Beranek during the May 20 meeting of the Lemont Fire Protection District Board of Trustees.

Biggert read a proclamation in front of Congress on May 26 declaring Beranek a "young hero."

"Because of Abby's courage and quick thinking, she was able to help her mom and keep her 18-month-old brothers and her 3-month-old sister safe," Biggert said. "I also want to commend the Lemont Fire Protection District, especially Jeff Hawthorne and Chief Carl Churulo for offering life saving educational safety courses for our children.

"Their hard work and willingness to reach out to the community has clearly made a difference and saved lives."

Video courtesy of Judy Biggert's YouTube channel.