SAN DIEGO — Three children in San Diego County were recognized Monday for being 9-1-1 Youth Heroes by the nonprofit 9-1-1 For Kids.
It was an especially emotional ceremony for 12-year-old Callum Wagner and his parents. For the first time, he and his parents heard the 9-1-1 call Callum made last summer from their home in Alpine.
Callum said, "I just started crying," because it made him sad to think of the day his mom nearly died.
His father was at work last July when his mom suddenly stopped breathing. The only other people home were Callum's 7-year-old brother Atticus and their 11-year-old friend Ky Larsen, so Callum called 9-1-1 for help.
On the 9-1-1 recording, you can hear the emotion and panic in his voice as he screamed, "Mama!" Callum kept his focus and was able to help his mom.
Heartland Communications dispatcher Kim Gonzales tried to keep Callum as calm as possible while relaying instructions to begin CPR.
According to the duration of time on the 9-1-1 call, Callum performed CPR for nearly a full 3 minutes before emergency personnel arrived. His brother and friend waited outside to open a gate and help direct them to the home.
After a portion of the emotional call was played, Callum received a standing ovation.
His mom Beverley Wagner said, "I know he's shy and it's a bit overwhelming, but he deserves everything - all the applause and the congratulations."
Fire Chief Brian Boggeln with the Alpine Fire Protection District presented Callum and Gonzales with their medals and certificates.
"I'm so proud of him," Gonzales said. "I'm so glad he was able to come here, honor his mom and the whole family."
Beverley was hospitalized for several days after the incident and said doctors determined she had gone into cardiac arrest. She said her heart is now working again, and it's also so full of love.
"I tell him every day I love him so much, and I'm just so proud," Beverley said. "I wouldn't be here without him."
Two other local children also received medals and certificates at the 2020 Local 9-1-1 Heroes Awards Ceremony, held at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine.
Twelve-year-old Karlie Arledge, from Carlsbad, was honored for calling 9-1-1 in June 2019, to make sure a transient who she saw sleeping on the ground did not need medical attention. Captain Matt Magro from the Carlsbad Police Department presented the awards to Karlie and Communications Operator Araceli Gonzales.
The same dispatcher took the 9-1-1 call from the third youth hero, 7-year-old Ashton Dagastino. He knew to call 9-1-1 when he found himself separated from his dad at a crowded mall last year. Carlsbad Police Department's Assistant Chief Mickey Williams presented Ashton with his awards.
News 8's has had the honor of emceeing the event for several years and is always amazed at the bravery demonstrated by these incredible children. It demonstrates to her why it's so essential for parents to talk to their children about when and how to call 9-1-1.
9-1-1 For Kids' official mascot Red E. Fox, named as one of the Top 50 Leaders of 9-1-1, also made an appearance at the event, which was hosted by Motorola Solutions.