Victim of Boiling Water Attack Honored by FDNY

By TATYANA BELLAMY-WALKER

The New York City Fire Department of New York recognized 12-year-old, Jamoneisha Merritt  as a honorary firefighter on Thursday after she was doused last August with boiling water at a ex-friend’s sleepover.

“I’m doing better than what happened before,” said Jamoneisha of the Bronx, who hopes to become a firefighter when she grows up. “I thank God.”

The swearing in ceremony was led by Fire Commissioner, Daniel A. Negro at FDNY headquarters at 9 Metrotech Center in Brooklyn, New York.

“[The boiling water challenge] has been referred to by many as a prank,” said Commissioner Nigro.  “Using boiling water in this matter, playing with matches and fire, or engaging in activity that can seriously burn someone or even take their life is no prank. It is senseless, callous, dangerous, behavior.”

Over the summer, Jamoneisha was at an ex-friend’s home when a girl poured boiling-water on her face, chest and neck while was sleeping. An investigation is pending on the alleged second-degree assault, which is a replica of the viral internet video the “Hot Water Challenge.”

The girl’s mother, Ebony Merritt created a GoFundMe page in August, which has garnered nearly $35,000 of the $100,000 goal to help cover the medical costs of skin grafts, hospital visits, “possible” plastic surgery and mental health counselors to help with the trauma associated with the burn injury.

Merritt said the FDNY offered support throughout her daughter’s recovery.

“She is joyful [and] she is full of spirit,” Merritt said. “This has played a big part in her recovery. People all over the world are reaching out to her.”

Regina Wilson, a FDNY firefighter said she is proud of the pre-teen’s aspirations.

“Another black girl, I’ll take it,” said Wilson, who was the 12th African-American woman to join the city’s fire department.  “As a young women of color for her to be apart of this organization…is important because it’s important for the community to see that this department respects diversity.”

Photo by Tatyana Bellamy-Walker