The two 11-year-olds were recognized Thursday for their role in rescuing a toddler who fell into a lake at a park in Cerritos last month.
Princeton Hoang and Julian Mata were fishing at Dong Kunabe Community Regional Park when they spotted the two-year-old underwater.
“I looked at the bike, then I looked over at the kids that floated,” Princeton said. “I was just scared and called the police.”
The boys called 911, flagged deputies and helped them find the child in a dramatic rescue they were caught in cameras covered in the aide’s body. Deputy Director Xavier Alvarez pulled the boy out of the water that carried out a life-saving CPR.
“I looked at him and thought this was my child,” Alvarez said. “I want to help him as much as I can.
“I saw his chest move up and down. I knew he was breathing.”
The infant, identified only as NICO, was hospitalized and subsequently recovered.
Deputies, Princeton and Julian, were recognized by the city of Cerritos on Thursday for their efforts.
“We’re extremely proud. He’s been around law enforcement for the rest of his life,” said Princeton’s mother, Angela Wu. “His aunt is with LASD so I think he just picked it up.”
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