After Surviving a Devastating Fire as a Baby, This Brave Missouri Boy Finally Found a Forever Home
Deyvion was just a baby lying in his bassinet when a fire tore through the apartment where he was sleeping. Firefighters rushed in and saved his life—but he was left with severe burns across his face.
It was nothing short of a miracle that he survived. This tough little fighter from Missouri began a long and difficult recovery in a specialized burn unit, slowly making progress—without any family by his side.
For years, Deyvion didn’t have a permanent home. Then, when he was 5 years old, everything changed. Beth Plunkett, a single mother of two, became his foster mom.
“I thought he was a beautiful little boy, and I fell in love with him very quickly,” Beth told WGN9 News.
She added, “Everyone says how lucky he is to have me—but I feel just as lucky to have him.”
After 2,545 days without a family, Deyvion was officially adopted by Beth.
“My biggest hope for him is happiness,” she said. “I want him to always feel loved, to set goals, reach them, and do amazing things—and I know he will. God definitely has a great plan for him.”
Deyvion is now surrounded by love—from his new mom and siblings, and also from the firefighters who saved him.
Deputy Chief Eric Smith of the South Metro Fire Department in Raymore never forgot the night they rescued him.
On adoption day, Smith and his crew surprised Deyvion with a custom firefighter jacket and hat. Then, they gave him and Beth a ride to court in the firetruck to make it official.
Smith gave the smiling boy a high five and told him, “You’re incredibly special. We don’t always know why things happen the way they do—but now, it all makes sense.”
After everything he’s been through, Deyvion’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, love, and hope. He’s one brave little boy—and now, he’s finally home.