Douglas County has two new heroes: Deputy Brian Sanchez and Anthony Anderson, a 15-year-old Douglas High School sophomore.
Both played key roles in saving the life of Anderson's 2-year-old brother, Talin. The boy was found face down in the back-yard swimming pool at his Gardnerville Ranchos home on the afternoon of July 25.
The room was packed as Anderson received his medal of merit and a standing ovation from residents and county officials at Thursday's commission meeting.
"Talin was turning blue. Anthony opened the airway and gave his brother some rescue breaths," said David Drew, deputy fire chief. "He then directed our personnel to the scene."
Mom and dad sat in one corner of the chamber with their two other sons, 5-year-old Chance and Talin, who now seems unscathed by the incident that came close to taking his life.
"The East Fork Fire Department recognizes the calm and heroic actions of Anthony," Drew said. "We commend him for taking the steps necessary to save his brother's life."
Anderson was helped by both his mother, Traci Masters and Sanchez, said Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini.
"He kept holding the child and assisted medical personnel. He contributed directly to the child's survival," Pierini said. "It is with honor and respect that I give the lifesaving medal to Brian Sanchez."
He awarded Sanchez the lifesaving medal, which is reserved for those Douglas County Sheriff's Office employees who save someone from death.
Anderson said it seemed like forever, from the time he dialed 911, but then Sanchez came through the door.
"I was just doing my job," Sanchez said. "Things didn't look good at the time, but it turned out great. I'm glad the little steps I took, from a class I took 10 years ago in the Marine Corp, helped out.
"Thank you very much."
The child was rushed to Carson Valley Medical Center, then flown by Care Flight to Washoe Medical Center where he was admitted to their pediatric intensive care unit.
Traci Masters said a lot of prayer was involved, but she knew Talin would be fine when she saw him again in intensive care.
She said Anthony is very proud of his accomplishment. Talin doesn't remember the incident but Chance, the five-year-old who found the boy floating in the pool, is still scared of the water.
"Everyone had a hard time with this," she said.
Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.
