Cerritos City Council honors deputies and boys for heroic rescue of young Nico

In a heartfelt recognition ceremony during the City Council meeting on April 10, 2025, the Cerritos City Council honored the bravery of local sheriff's deputies and two young boys who played a crucial role in saving the life of a toddler, Nico, during a near-drowning incident at Don Canabe Regional Park.

On the evening of March 29, 2025, two 11-year-old boys, Julian Mata and Preston Hong, demonstrated remarkable courage by calling 911 after witnessing the child struggling in the park's lake. Their quick thinking and willingness to stay at the scene to guide deputies were pivotal in ensuring a swift response. Upon arrival, deputies from the Cerritos Sheriff's Station immediately began life-saving measures, including CPR, and successfully resuscitated the child, who has since made a full recovery.

During the meeting, Deputy Nelita Gaveros, Deputy Xavier Alvarez, Deputy Eric Mutum, Deputy Daniel Mayhew, Deputy Rebecca Chavez, and law enforcement technician Leslie Gutierrez were recognized for their heroic actions. The deputies shared their experiences, emphasizing the emotional weight of such incidents and the importance of the boys' timely call for help. "It could have been a very negative outcome, but because of two brave young men, it turned out very different," Deputy Gaveros stated.

The council also welcomed Lauren Yokomizo, a representative for Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who praised the efforts of both the deputies and the young boys. "In an emergency, many bystanders might hesitate. Preston and Julian did not," she remarked, highlighting the importance of community involvement in emergencies.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of proclamations and scrolls to the heroes, celebrating their extraordinary actions that not only saved a life but also reinforced the vital role of community and first responders in ensuring public safety. The council's recognition serves as a reminder of the impact that quick thinking and bravery can have in critical situations, fostering a sense of unity and gratitude within the Cerritos community.