Piqua Family Honored for Heroic Rescue of Neighbors from House Fire

The Karabinis family received the Jan Mulder Citizenship Award for their bravery in saving the Westfall family from their burning home.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:49pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a firefighter's helmet repeated in a tight grid pattern, representing the heroism and community spirit behind the Karabinis family's actions to rescue their neighbors from a house fire.A community celebrates the selfless bravery of neighbors who risked their own safety to save a family from a devastating house fire.Piqua Today

The Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce presented the Jan Mulder Citizenship Award to the Karabinis family for their heroic actions in rescuing the Westfall family from their burning home on January 23. Sabastian Karabinis, 19, rushed to the home after seeing the flames, and he and his father Alex helped evacuate the Westfall family, including children, pets, and their mother Cindy. The Karabinis family then opened their own home to provide shelter and comfort to the displaced Westfall family until first responders arrived.

Why it matters

The Jan Mulder Citizenship Award honors individuals who put aside their own safety to save the life of another, embodying the spirit of selfless bravery. The Karabinis family's actions demonstrate the importance of community support and heroism, even from ordinary citizens, in times of crisis.

The details

On January 23, a fire broke out at the Westfall family's home at 1503 Forest Avenue in Piqua. Sabastian Karabinis, 19, was outside with the family dog when he noticed the flames and immediately alerted his family. Without waiting for first responders, Sabastian rushed to the burning home, where he found the Westfall children outside crying and their mother Cindy desperately trying to evacuate everyone. Sabastian carried one child to safety, and his father Alex joined him to help get the family, their dog, and four kittens out of the home. Sabastian's younger brother Quinten also grabbed a hose and tried to fight the flames, though they were too powerful. After ensuring the Westfall family's safety, the Karabinis family opened their own home to provide shelter and comfort until first responders arrived.

  • On January 23, a fire broke out at the Westfall family's home.
  • The Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce presented the Jan Mulder Citizenship Award to the Karabinis family on April 7.

The players

Sabastian Karabinis

A 19-year-old Piqua resident who rushed to the burning Westfall home, evacuated children, and helped ensure the family's safety.

Alex Karabinis

Sabastian's father, who joined him in helping evacuate the Westfall family from their burning home.

Quinten Karabinis

Sabastian's younger brother, who grabbed a garden hose and tried to fight the flames at the Westfall home.

Cindy Westfall

The mother of the children inside the burning home, who was desperately trying to evacuate her family when the Karabinis family arrived to help.

Kathy Hostetter

The President and Executive Director of the Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce, who presented the Jan Mulder Citizenship Award to the Karabinis family.

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What they’re saying

“I was just grateful...I don't think it was anything extraordinary. I was doing what I was taught to do from a young age. I didn't do it for the award, but it was a nice gesture. We (Karabinis) family were really grateful...I was happy with it coming from the (Piqua) Chamber (of Commerce).”

— Sabastian Karabinis

“I was taken back by it. My husband (Alex) and I were in Scouts growing up. Sabastian and Quinten were also raised in Scouting. As a result, service to others and caring for one's neighbor was 'embedded' in all of us.”

— Jessica Karabinis, Sabastian's mother

What’s next

The Westfall family is currently living in temporary housing while their home at 1503 Forest Avenue is being rebuilt after sustaining over $100,000 in damages from the fire.

The takeaway

The Karabinis family's selfless actions in rushing to save their neighbors from a dangerous house fire, despite the risks, demonstrate the power of community support and the importance of instilling values of service and heroism, even in ordinary citizens. Their bravery and compassion serve as an inspiring example for others.