The Fort Dodge third-grader has become a viral sensation after he cleared snow from a fire hydrant near his home earlier this month. Just hours later, the Fort Dodge Fire Department hooked up to that same hydrant to fight a house fire down the street.

Holmes has been called a hero by reporters at The Weather Channel and even at People Magazine in recent days, but he’s just taking it in stride.

“It’s cool,” said Holmes. “I want people to know that kindness always matters. That’s what Mr. Flaherty taught us. It’s true.”

He was referring to Ryan Flaherty, the principal of Duncombe Elementary School.

-Submitted photo
Colton Holmes, center, was accompanied to school by the members of the Fort Dodge Fire Department who responded to a fire and were assisted by his previous work to clear snow away from a hydrant. They are, from left, Paramedic Andrea Brandt, EMT Katelyn Rodenborn, Firefighter/EMT Taryn Sutton, Firefighter/EMT Zach Rossmanith, Firefighter JJ Durflinger, Firefighter/ Paramedic Mychal Edler, Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Porter, Lt. Jon Schrek, Firefighter Gionni Hamilton, Firefighter/ Paramedic Aaron Campbell, Lt. Devon Schuster, and Firefighter/ Paramedic Stephan Cook.

The fire was at 1510 Fifth Ave. N. on Dec. 1. No one was injured, but six people and multiple pets were displaced.

For his hard work clearing snow from the hydrant, Holmes was given a ride to school last Friday in a fire truck. Every Fort Dodge Fire Department member who was on duty at the time of the fire came to Holmes’ house to personally thank him.

“There were two fire trucks, three ambulances, and the command car,” said Holmes. “I was nervous, but it was the best day ever.”

A detective from the Sedalia, Missouri, Police Department saw Holmes’ story on the local news and sent him a department patch and a new drone along with a note thanking him “for being awesome.” Holmes received the gift while visiting the Fort Dodge Fire Department.

The national fame hasn’t fazed Holmes. After the most recent snow, he headed back outside with a shovel and a goal of clearing more fire hydrants “just in case.”

“My dad and I cleaned out five or six more,” said Holmes. “Or maybe six-seven.”

“That’s just who he is,” said Amanda Holmes, Colton’s mother. “If someone dropped their keys, he’d be the first to pick them up and run after them to give them back. He’s a good kid.”

“He’s always been a good kid that wants to help,” added his father, Jon Holmes.

Holmes said he’s proud to be recognized for a small act of kindness that helped many, but noted that others can do the same.

“Go out and do it,” said Holmes. “You can clear out a fire hydrant, too. You might save someone’s life.”