Little Hero Sworn in as Junior EMT
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He may be one of the FDNY's tiniest EMTs, but he proved that he's brave enough for the job.
Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, Chief of Department Edward Kilduff and Chief of EMS Abdo Nahmod swore in 7-year-old Drew Champagnie as Junior EMT on Sept. 22, after he called 9-1-1 and saved his mom's life just the day before.
"He is such a brave young man and we're all proud of him," Commissioner Cassano said. "He did a tremendous job."
Chief of Department Edward Kilduff, added, "We're all so proud of you, you're a wonderful example for all young kids in New York City."
Drew and his mom, Donna Gilkes, were at home on Hendrix Street in Brooklyn on the morning of Sept. 21, preparing Drew for school. They were in his bedroom when Ms. Gilkes suddenly collapsed and began having a seizure.
The boy immediately knew what to do.
He called 9-1-1 and calmly told operators, including FDNY EMS Operator Crystal Guzman and EMS Radio Dispatcher Jerard Washington, that his mom was "shaking." Then he proceeded to tell them his address, apartment number, phone number and his dad's phone number.
"He touched my heart, he did such a great job," EMT Guzman said. "He was brave, he listened and he stood his ground, he just wanted to help his mom."
EMT Washington added: "I was really impressed with what he did."
They kept him on the phone and walked him through things he could do to help as they waited for help to arrive.
Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano with Drew Gilkes.
EMTs Michael Coleman and Paul Larow from Station 39 arrived quickly, followed by EMS Lt. Melissa Ovalle and Paramedics Justine Abruzzo and Dukens Jean Baptiste, also from Station 39.
They transported her in serious condition to Kings County Hospital, where she was treated.
His mom had nothing but praise for her son, saying he was a wonderful boy who is incredibly smart and good with numbers. She said her mother (the boy's grandmother) taught him how to call 9-1-1, and said he takes after his uncle - FDNY EMT Dwayne Gilkes.
"He's so great," Ms. Gilkes said. She added that he remains protective of her, "Since then he's been standing by me all the time, telling me not to do anything. He just keeps telling me to relax."
(L to R) Lt. Melissa Ovalle, Paramedic Dukens Jean Baptiste, Paramedic Justine Abruzzo, EMT Jerard Washington, EMT Michael Coleman, EMT Paul Larow, EMT Crystal Guzman, Donna Gilkes, Drew Champagnie, EMT Dwayne Gilkes, Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, Chief of Department Edward Kilduff and Chief of EMS Abdo Nahmod.