Four Year Old Hero Handles Emergency by Calling 911

When we think of heroes, we usually envision superheroes in comics, or real life firefighters and police officers. But heroes can be found in everyday individuals. They come in all shapes and sizes. Just ask Courtenay Sharpe, who desperately needed one. She found her hero at home, in her four year old son, Tony.

His grandmother empowered the boy with an educational gift. Grandma can be proud of her four year old grandson, Tony who resides in Fairbanks, Alaska. She had some heartwarming evidence that he liked the book she sent him months ago. The interactive children's book entitled, "It's Time to Call 911: What to do in an Emergency" engages the child with push buttons that talks to the reader. Tony practiced quite a bit to hear the emergency sirens sound when the correct number is punched. Tony's mother, Courtenay said, "He pretty much knew the book by heart."

Tony's practice paid off. Earlier this month, Tony's mother fell to the floor, unconscious. The safety smart tyke went to the phone and dialed 911 as his book instructed. He reached the North Star Volunteer Fire Department. "Mommy is sick. Mommy needs an ambulance. Mommy fell over. She is sleeping," is what the emergency contact heard from the received call. Tony asked, "Can you call the ambulance?" and gave directions to his house by describing the apartment complex as white with a blue roof. By the time help arrived, Courtenay was somewhat conscious and able to talk a little. The blackout occurred because of a gall bladder attack.

As is often the case with heroes, Tony received an reward. Since the incident, Tony and his family have adopted a puppy named "Bear." Bear is an eight month old golden retriever/lab mix rescued from animal control. Even in his reward, Tony plays the hero again.

Tony will also have a special reward in May. The North Star Volunteer Fire Department will be giving the little hero a ride on one of the firetrucks.