First Grader Saves His Classmate From Choking, Now An Honorary Member of the Fire Department

A first-grader saves his classmate from choking and is now an honorary member of the fire department! Little boys are known for a lot of things, like scraped knees, dirt-covered sneakers, and roughhousing in the living room five seconds after you tell them not to. They are loud, fearless, adventurous, and always one split second away from doing something that makes moms everywhere yell, “PLEASE BE CAREFUL!”

But every once in a while, those same rough-and-tumble little boys remind us there’s courage tucked inside all that wild energy. And 7-year-old Sameer Santana just proved it in the most incredible way.

At Stephen Olney Elementary School in North Providence, Rhode Island, a first grader by the name of Jabril Brewster began choking on apple slices during snack time. While the teacher raced to call the school nurse, a friend stepped in. He didn’t freeze or get scared; instead, he jumped into action. 

First Grader Saves Classmate

RELATED: Classmate Was Mocked Day After Day Until 7th-Grader Bought Him New Shoes

“My teacher told me to calm down and for everyone to sit down,” Sameer Santana explained. “She was calling for help, and then I went and did the Heimlich on him.”

And somehow this brave little first grader calmly performed the Heimlich Maneuver on his struggling classmate until he could breathe again. Let's pause for a second and talk about how incredible that is.

Most adults would panic in a situation like that. But this little boy simply remembered what he had learned in kindergarten about choking. And when school nurse Michelle Poirier arrived in the classroom, she was amazed to find Nino breathing safely again.

Sometimes Little Boys Become Heroes

“I said, ‘Sameer, how did you know how to do that?’” Michelle recalled. “He said, ‘I don’t know, it was just in my brain.’” Honestly, that answer somehow makes the whole story even sweeter.

Because beneath all the energy and chaos that little boys bring into the world is often a heart ready to protect people without hesitation. They may spend half their childhood body-slamming couch cushions and pretending to be action heroes, but when the moment truly matters? Sometimes they become the real thing, heroes!

The Mayor Honored the Boy By Naming Him The Honorary Captain of Rescue Services

Because of his brave actions, Mayor Charles Lombardi honored Sameer by naming him the honorary captain of Rescue Services. He also received a town proclamation and a Citizen’s Appreciation Award from the North Providence Fire Department. As a kid, that’s kind of a big deal!

And honestly, you can tell Sameer thinks the whole thing is pretty cool—which makes this story even more heartwarming. Becoming one of the youngest honorary members of the fire department is the kind of thing little boys dream about while racing toy fire trucks across the living room floor.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 11-Year-Old Massachusetts Girl Saves Little Boy Who Fell Down 20 Feet Into a Well

North Providence Fire Chief John Horan may have explained it best: “An adult might be a little skeptical or might want to try something different, but the kid just did what he was taught and he did exactly what he was supposed to.”

That simple courage likely saved another little boy’s life. And if Sameer’s bravery as a seven-year-old is any indication, it sounds like the future police officer already has the heart of a true hero.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified… for the Lord your God goes with you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

WATCH: First Grader Saves His Classmate From Choking, Now An Honorary Member of the Fire Department

LISTEN: Texas Family Overjoyed After Missing Dog Turns Up at New Jersey Mall | Family Honors Veteran’s Life of Hard Work by Donating His Liver

h/t: Nation News Now

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/WPRI

Heather Riggleman is a believer, wife, mom, author, social media consultant, and full-time writer. She lives in Minden, Nebraska with her kids, high school sweetheart, and three cats who are her entourage around the homestead. She is a former award-winning journalist with over 2,000 articles published. She is full of grace and grit, raw honesty, and truly believes tacos can solve just about any situation. You can find her on GodUpdates, iBelieve, Crosswalk, Hello Darling, Focus On The Family, and in Brio Magazine. Connect with her at www.HeatherRiggleman.com or on Facebook.