Middle schooler awarded certificate and police badge after saving friend
By Kaleb Clark
Click here for updates on this story
KLAMATH FALLS, Oregon (KDRV) — A Ponderosa Middle School seventh grader saved her best friend’s life after she started choking on a burrito during lunch.
Lilly Jannicelli was recognized Thursday by the Klamath Falls Police Department with a certificate of achievement and a custom police badge. She stepped in to help her friend, Alison Cruz, who was choking on her food during a recent lunch at school.
“I was sitting next to my best friend at lunch when she started choking on a burrito,” Jannicelli said. “I tried calling for a teacher, but nobody heard me, so I knew I had to act. I just thought, ‘We’re not losing my best friend today,’ and I got up and did the Heimlich Maneuver.”
Jannicelli relied on instinct and a small amount of prior knowledge to take action. Her dad had shown her how to do the Heimlich, and she had learned it once in health class.
“It was just enough for me to remember and try my best,” Jannicelli said. “It was really scary, and I think I did it wrong at first, but she’s alive and okay and that’s what matters most.”
Cruz recalled just how serious the situation had become. She couldn’t breathe at all and was really scared.
“Lilly got behind me and did the Heimlich, and that’s what saved me,” Cruz said.
Afterward, Cruz made sure her best friend knew just how much her actions meant. She told Jannicelli, “This is why you’re my emergency contact … you saved my life.”
Ponderosa staff reviewed the incident on video and coordinated a surprise recognition for Jannicelli. During the presentation, she was honored with her certificate signed by School Resource Officer Alex Davenport and Klamath Falls Police Chief Rob Detinger for her quick thinking and bravery.
Klamath County Fire District 1 firefighter Dean Limb presented Jannicelli with her certificate after calling her name from the student risers, where she was met with cheers from her peers just before first period. Limb added that her actions reflect the kind of qualities they look for when hiring firefighters and policemen.
“I didn’t know any of it was happening,” Jannicelli said. “I walked into the gym and saw my family there and thought, ‘Something’s up.’ It was really special to be recognized like that.”
Jannicelli hopes the experience highlights the value of being prepared. She said you don’t have very much time in a situation like that, and it’s not always obvious when someone is choking.
“You have to pay attention and act in the moment,” Jannicelli said. “I think more students should learn things like the Heimlich. You might not think you’ll ever need it, but moments like this show how important it is.”
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.