Sweet Home grad recognized for bravery

Scott DeMeester, a native of Amherst, was the recipient of two awards for his bravery while on duty as a City of Atlanta police officer on July 4.

While patrolling the area around a housing project, a tenant alerted DeMeester to an apartment fire where a child was inside. He crawled through the dense smoke and flames to rescue a trapped 5-year-old girl.

DeMeester received the Heroism Award from Atlanta's 300 Club, an organization of businesses owners and dignitaries from the Atlanta area that annually recognizes the city's fire and police officers who exemplify honor and heroism.

The second award was bestowed by the Atlanta Police Department. That honor was the Meritorious Award for his courageous act.

DeMeester is a 1999 graduate of Sweet Home High School and was a member of the Ellicott Creek Fire Department for five years. He received his degree from Niagara Community College in the criminal justice program.

He is a six-year veteran of the Atlanta Police Department.