(FOX40.COM) \u2014 Back on Dec. 9, Sacramento Fire Department\u2019s Station 30 rescued a five-year-old boy from his burning home. He made a speedy recovery, but the fire destroyed the house \u2014 along with all of their Christmas presents.<\/p>\n
On Saturday, the crew decided to surprise the family and bring the holiday spirit back to life.<\/p>\n
FOX40 went to the fire station to speak with the fire department, as well as the victims of the fire \u2014 the mother Whitney Washington and her son, Sir Raymond.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy heart was just all over the place,\u201d Washington said as she recalled the night of the fire.<\/p>\n
Washington told FOX40 the nightmare started with a phone call.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy daughter\u2019s like, \u2018The house is on fire, mom,\u2019 and I\u2019m like, \u2018What?’\u201d Washington reflected. \u201cThen she is like, \u2018And Sir Raymond is in it.\u201d<\/p>\n
As the Sacramento family\u2019s home went up in flames, Sir Raymond was trapped inside.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey searched for the child,\u201d Sacramento Fire Department\u2019s Spokesperson, Capt. Justin Sylvia said. \u201cHe was very difficult to find. He was actually right up against the back of a sink in the living space.\u201d<\/p>\n
Washington described the moment of horror and uncertainty as she watched crews carry her unconscious son out of the home.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll I could do is drop to my knees and ask God to be with my son,\u201d Washington said.<\/p>\n
Despite being rushed from the scene in critical condition, after a short stint in the hospital, Sir Raymond made a quick recovery and, on Sunday, returned to Sacramento Fire Station 30 \u2014 the home base for the crew that saved his life. While the young survivor bounced back fast, Washington said the family has been staying between hotels and with other family members, since they lost their home \u2014 and everything inside \u2014 right before Christmas.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had decorated the tree, we had wrapped everything up, we were almost done decorating the house that night,\u201d Washington said. \u201cWe did lose everything, but, we\u2019re thankful to have him.\u201d<\/p>\n
FOX40 asked Sir Raymond what is favorite part about Christmas time is.<\/p>\n
\u201cOpening the gifts,\u201d He replied.<\/p>\n
So the members of Sacramento Fire Station 30 decided to use their own money and time to bring the Christmas cheer back to the family.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe crew here at Station 30 decided that they wanted to do something very nice for this family, and that was going out and purchasing gifts for not only Sir Raymond, but the entire family,\u201d Sylvia said. \u201cThis is a time of giving. This is what we\u2019re all about.\u201d<\/p>\n
Washington said she almost cried when the crew showed up.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s bittersweet. I am so happy to have my son here. I can\u2019t ask for anything else,\u201d Washington said. \u201cWe\u2019re grateful to be here to celebrate the holiday season and that my kids don\u2019t have to feel the storm that we\u2019re in right now. They\u2019re able to open presents for Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, the family is still trying to build back. Loved ones started a GoFundMe, which has since captured support across the community.<\/p>\n
The family is entering the new year with a lot of change, but a lot of love from neighbors and strangers alike.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re trying to get to a certain goal so that we are able to go back to our normal lives and have our own home again,\u201d Washington said.<\/p>\n
At the end of Sunday\u2019s interview, FOX40 asked Sir Raymond if he wanted to share a message to our viewers.<\/p>\n
\u201cMerry Christmas!\u201d Sir Raymond said.<\/p>\n
For information on how to support the family during this difficult time, the Sacramento Fire Department and the family said you can visit this page<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n