Guardian angel Ceola Parker honored by the City of Vicksburg

Good neighbor and guardian angel Ceola Parker was honored on Monday by the City of Vicksburg for her efforts in rescuing two women from a Speed Street fire.

Structure fire on Speed Street. Photo used with permission.

When Parker saw the smoke on Speed Street, she called 911 and rallied one neighbor to assist. She then entered the burning structure to help two women get evacuate the home. One of the women she assisted had mobility issues as a result of recent medical events. “She was in the fire in the doorway, I was trying to get her out,” were the chilling words Parker spoke about the ordeal.

Ceola Parker rescued two elderly neighbors from a structure fire by running into the structure to evacuate them. (Screengrab from interview with David Day)

Parker quickly shifted the focus from her to her faith. “I was scared, but the grace of God – I keep God first in everything that I do,” stated Parker.  “It was me and the good Lord that saved them,” Parker continued, tearfully. “I thank God I was here at the time to be a guardian angel.”

Her heroism was recognized during a Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting on Monday.

Ceola and Kirk Parker (Photo by David Day)

“Ceola Parker did something courageous and heroic,” stated Mayor George Flaggs, Jr. “She witnessed a fire. She new there were some elder people in there. This young lady, not a first responder, not a city employee, but a committed, dedicated person, saw the fire, called 911 and proceeded to get the elder people out.”

Mayor Flaggs went on to state that because of her bravery, two people lived. He then called for a standing ovation to recognize her heroism, to which the room didn’t hesitate to oblige.

Ceola Parker was recognized by the Board of Mayor and Alderman for her bravery and service to her community. (Photo by David Day)

Flaggs then presented Parker with a certificate of recognition for her selfless act. North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield, Sr. followed and thanked Flaggs for recognizing her and her heroics.

“Thank you for recognizing this young lady for the act of bravery. Definitely, it was God that gave her what she needed to do what she did,” stated Mayfield. He then offered Parker a public thank-you to her for her selfless actions.