Vernon Teen, Massachusetts Man Recognized As Heroes For Saving 10-Year-Old At Valley Falls Pond

VERNON, CT - All those involved in the dramatic rescue of a 10-year-old from Valley Falls Pond on Saturday are crediting a whole bunch of different circumstances lining up at the right time.

And one stood out in the mind of Kevin Kozak - a habit his dad, Chris, taught him.

"My dad always said to pay attention to my surroundings," he said.

Kozak, a 15-year-old Vernon resident is credited with Matt Jennings, a Marblehead, MA, resident who was visiting Valley Falls, with saving the life of 10-year-old Alyanna Bukhari of Vernon after she went under on Saturday afternoon.

A humble Kozak was able to get together with a thankful Bukhari family at the Vernon Police Department on Monday to exchange pleasantries and share their thoughts on what happened.

"Certainly, the actions of Kevin were heroic," Lt. William Meier of the Vernon Police Department said. "Without his actions - his quick thinking - we would be facing a tragedy. We are so grateful Alyanna is OK."

Alyannna was not shy her gratitude.

"I just want to say thank you," she told Kozak.

Kozak already had an eventful day Saturday after the funeral of his grandmother, Verona Schneider. He went to Valley Falls with some friends to do some fishing. It was hot, so he said he decided to take a break and cool off in the pond.

Then something didn't look right.

"I went over to her. I thought she might be holding her breath," he said. "Then, I felt something near my legs, so I grabbed her and brought her to shore. My instincts just kicked in."

Jennings then ran over and used his training as a ski patroller at Waterville Valley in New Hampshire to administer emergency aid.

"Thank goodness she's OK," Jennings said. "Thanks to Waterville Valley Ski Patrol for all the experience and training."

Vernon Police officers Marikate Vollano, Andrew Hannaford, Miriam Resnikoff and Bryan Sembersky ran to Alyanna and treated her with oxygen She was then transported to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center by Vernon EMS, Meier said.

The girl’s parents were nearby at the time, but had been momentarily distracted, police said.

Her father, Imtiaz, said the family moved back to Vernon after returning to Pakistan for religious schooling. He said he has always been wary of the water.

"Alyanna just wen t under The rest is Kevin," he said. He also said he never saw police officers move as fast as they did.

"That is why Alyanna is here with us today," Imtiaz said.

He also offered one final reflection.

"Parenting can be tiring," he said. "But we should never get tired."

Then, he said to Kozak, "I'm sorry for your loss but thank you for your action."