CHARLOTTE — First responders across Charlotte honored regular people in the community who have done extraordinary things on Tuesday.
Among the honorees was a 9-year-old Corey Blocker. He saved the life of a 3-year-old.
Corey was recognized with a Citizens First Responder Award from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for saving the toddler's life.
On July 12, Corey was swimming in the pool at Waterford Lakes Apartments when he noticed the 3-year-old underwater. Friends thought the little boy was just playing, but Corey knew he'd been underwater too long.
"He was in the water, and I thought he was drowning," Corey said. "I thought he could've died if I left him in the water."
Corey pulled the child out and took him to his mother, who performed CPR.
"I told him afterward 'I am so proud of you, oh my God if you wouldn't have grabbed him he wouldn't have made it,'" said Corey's mother Shemeka Sewell.
Corey is happy for the honor, and calmly said he would do it all again.
"It feels good to be a hero," Corey said.
Corey was 8 years old when he performed the heroic act, two weeks before his 9th birthday.
The event was hosted an organized by the Charlotte Rotary Club.
WSOC
