MIAMI — Back in November, 17-year-old Rami Ouazza woke up to the smell of smoke inside his Miami apartment building.

He quickly realized a fire had broken out in another unit, and without hesitation he jumped into action.

Ouazza went door to door, warning neighbors to get out and even helping save a disabled retired police officer who had trouble escaping the burning building.

“When I’m in school or anywhere really, I always think about defending people who can’t defend themselves,” said Ouazza. “There’s a lot of older people in the building that might not be able to get out by themselves, so that was the first thing I was thinking about, helping my neighbors, and that’s what ended up happening. A retired officer was injured and I had to help him get out.”

Because of his heroism, the Miami Police Department gave Ouazza a full tour of its headquarters on Thursday, showing him the different units, specialized teams, and areas where officers and detectives work every day.

Ouazza said he dreams of becoming a police officer after high school, so the tour that was led by MPD Chief Manny Morales was something he says he’ll never forget.

But the biggest surprise came at the end of the visit.

That’s when The Aden Perry Good Samaritan and Scholarship Fund presented Ouazza with a scholarship that will fully cover the cost of his police academy training.

“It is truly my honor to present this check so you can go to the police academy and become the police officer that you want to be in honor of my son,” said Sarah Perry. “And I have no doubt that what you’ve already done proves this is the perfect job for you, and you’re going to be amazing.”

Morales said Ouazza’s heroic actions should serve as an inspiration to others, saying that in an emergency, if it’s safe to do so, anyone can help make a real difference or even save a life.

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