Glendale boy honored for saving child from drowning
Sep 23, 2014, 2:51 PM | Updated: 2:51 pm
GLENDALE, Ariz. — A young Arizona boy was recognized Tuesday for his actions that spared a child’s life.
On Aug. 31, 10-year-old Joseph Breeden was swimming in the pool of his apartment complex when he spotted a 3-year-old boy floating in the water.
“I was scared,” Breeden said. “I’ve never seen nobody float like that.”
Breeden quickly leapt into action and pulled the child from the water, saving the boy’s life, then found adults who began CPR.
The Glendale Police Department commemorated Breeden for his life-saving actions at Challenger Middle School near 67th Avenue and Maryland. Police Chief Deborah Black thanked Breeden and presented him with a certificate.
“We asked the school if we could present a certificate today, recognizing the bravery and the heroism of Joseph (Breeden),” said Black.
In front of his peers, Breeden accepted the certificate from Glendale Police as well as a certificate from his school.
Challenger Middle School Principle Tiffany Molina said Breeden set a great example for the rest of the students about being aware of his surroundings and that she expected nothing less from him.
“He’s always looking for opportunities to help others and to better his community,” Molina said.
According to police, the 3-year-old toddler recovered from the near-drowning after being transported to a local hospital.