David Diaz Jr. poses with his father David Diaz Sr. and New York State Sen. Fred Akshar.Photo: Courtesy of Emmanuel Priest (Director of Public Affairs for Senator Fred Akshar)
David Diaz Jr., 7, received the New York State Senate Commendation Award on June 13 for rescuing his friend with the Heimlich maneuver after he began choking on pizza at Woodrow Wilson Elementary in Binghamton, according toFOX News.
The second-grade student told the outlet that he learned the life-saving skill while watching the ABC medical dramaThe Good Doctorwith his father.
“If anybody is choking or is in danger, you always have to save them,” the boy said, adding, “If you don’t, then that could be really sad.”
Though he initially wasn’t sure of his ability to save his friend, Diaz told FOX News he jumped into action after noticing his teachers were farther away than he was.
Kristin Korba, a second-grade teacher at Woodrow Wilson Elementary, echoed Diaz’s account.
“The adults were circulating the cafeteria, monitoring,” she told the outlet. “David rushed behind [the choking student] and performed the Heimlich.”
David Diaz Jr. touches fists with New York State Sen. Fred Akshar.Courtesy of Emmanuel Priest (Director of Public Affairs for Senator Fred Akshar)
“I’m very proud of my son,” Diaz’s father, David Diaz Sr., told FOX News. “He’s an angel in my eyes.”
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The Binghamton City School Districtcelebrated Diaz’s heroics Wednesday on Facebook, writing, “We are so Patriot proud of Wilson Elementary’s student hero, David Diaz Jr.!”
Akshar, a Broome County Sheriff candidate, applauded Diaz for his efforts and congratulated him on receiving “some well-deserved national recognition for saving his friend’s life” at school.
“David is a true community hero who’s made his family, his school and his community very proud!“Akshar wroteon Facebook.
“If he’d like to pursue becoming a doctor when he grows up, I’ll be happy to help him achieve that later in life,” the dad said. “But it’s really up to him.”
source: people.com
