What Makes A Hero? Paying Attention, Like This Girl Who Rescued A Toddler From Drowning

ANAHEIM, CA — A young visitor to an Anaheim hotel made a split-second decision that saved a young boy's life, Anaheim Fire Department says. Kennady Hill, pictured above, was presented with a Certificate of Heroism for her actions by the Anaheim Fire Department, which they reported over social media. Here's what happened that day.

In mid-August, Kennady Hill was vacationing with her family and spending some time at the hotel pool.

While there, she noticed a boy "struggling to keep his head above the spa water," Anaheim Fire Battalion Chief Michael Byard says. "Without hesitation, she went over and pulled the young child out of the water," saving the boy's life.

She called out for adults who called 911, according to Byard. Truck 3 responded to the call, with Bayard, along with Captain Oye, Engineer DuFrene, Firefighter Bui and Firefighter Houghton taking the child directly to a nearby hospital, according to the report.

"We're happy to report that the young child made a full recovery," he said. "Kennady's alertness, quick thinking, and courage saved a little boy from severe injury. We recognize and applaud her valiant heroism in rescuing that child and are grateful for her invaluable assistance in saving his life."

Kennady placed herself at personal risk while saving another's life, Byard says, and that is a heroic quality.

Well done, Kennady, and congratulations on doing your part to make the world a better place.

Do you have a good news story to share? Let us know by emailing your Patch Orange County editor.