Cerritos City Council honors heroes of young Nico's rescue at Don Canabe Park

Cerritos City Council honored local heroes during their April 10 meeting, recognizing the bravery of Sheriff's deputies and two young boys who played a crucial role in saving a child's life.

On March 29, deputies responded to a potential drowning at Don Canabe Regional Park, where 11-year-old boys Julian Mata and Preston Hong made a 911 call that led to the swift rescue of a two-and-a-half-year-old boy named Nico. The boys stayed at the scene, directing deputies with flashlights, demonstrating remarkable courage in a frightening situation.

Deputies, including Nelita Gaveros, Xavier Alvarez, Eric Mutum, Daniel Mayhew, Rebecca Chavez, and law enforcement technician Leslie Gutierrez, performed life-saving CPR and first aid, successfully resuscitating the child. The council praised their composure and quick action, emphasizing that without the boys' timely call, the outcome could have been tragic.

During the meeting, Deputy Gaveros expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the importance of the 911 call, stating, "It could have been a very negative outcome, but because of two brave young men, it turned out very different."

The council also welcomed Lauren Yokomizo, a representative for Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who commended the actions of the boys and deputies, reinforcing the vital role of first responders in emergencies.

In a heartfelt conclusion, the council presented proclamations to the deputies and the young heroes, celebrating their extraordinary actions that not only saved a life but also inspired the community. The event served as a reminder of the impact of quick thinking and bravery in critical situations, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance.