Thursday, March 28, 2024

Student’s watchful eye helps prevent tragedy

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It can be easy to notice something but not really pay close attention, but when Gatesville High School student Jastin Muegge noticed something out of the ordinary, his quick thinking helped limit the damage done by a fire at a local church.

On Saturday, Sept. 3, Jastin was in his front yard playing basketball with a friend when he saw a fire at nearby Live Oak Baptist Church. He also saw someone suspicious walking away from the scene, so he told his parents. It was his mother, Lajean, who called 9-1-1 to alert authorities.

Jastin's dad, Tim Muegge, was able to switch off both the gas and power to the church. The two tried to enter the church but the door handle was already too hot. 

"It all happened so fast, I didn't have much time to react," Jastin said.

It was Jastin's quick thinking and the actions that he and his parents took that helped to limit the damage to the church. In fact, thanks to the quick response of the Muegges and firefighters, church members were able to hold services in the sanctuary the next day.

"There were no flames from what I understand, just smoke," said Gatesville Independent School District Superintendent Barrett Pollard. "It could have been a lot worse if Jastin hadn't been observant.”

Jastin was recognized during the GISD Student Spotlight presentation at the Sept. 19 GISD school board meeting, along with his father. 

"We appreciate him and his parents – the whole family does a lot for Gatesville ISD."

Jastin is also a standout athlete in cross country, routinely finishing among the top runners in each meet. He recently won the silver medal in the Gatesville Invitational behind teammate Carlo Martinez, rated one of the top runners in the nation.