FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- "For courageous and brave actions" are the first words in the citation of the 911 Hero Award that was presented to Jazlynn Weintraub on June 3. That may not sound out of place on a post with thousands of Soldiers who deploy year after year, but Jazlynn does not don the Army uniform every day -- she is an 8-year-old girl.
Lt. Col. Michelle M. Goyette, director of emergency services, and Robert G. LaSalle, chief of emergency communications, presented the 911 Hero Award certificate to Jazlynn during a ceremony at Fort Drum's Fire Station 2.
Jazlynn was recognized for her quick actions after her mother, who is hearing impaired, slipped and hit her head on the bathtub. Although she was still conscious, Christy Weintraub needed her daughter's assistance to call 911 and get the necessary help.
The Jefferson County 911 Center and the Fort Drum 911 Emergency Communications Center received a cell phone call for help just shortly after midnight May 12. Fort Drum Fire and Emergency Services were quickly dispatched to the residence.
Kenneth Fossette and Michael Day are the paramedics who were greeted by the calm little girl when they arrived at the Weintraub's home.
"This was really a unique kind of case simply because not only did she call 911 and remain exceptionally calm, but because she knew sign language and was able to interpret for her mother and give us all the information that we needed," Fossette said. "She even assisted the law enforcement personnel on the scene with finding someone to look after her and her 6-year-old brother."
Jazlynn also was presented the 911 Heroes Medal of Honor by Col. Gary Rosenberg, Fort Drum garrison commander.
Rosenberg explained that, being on Fort Drum, it is not uncommon to encounter heroic and brave Soldiers. However, it is unexpected to see bravery coming from a child.
"I just wanted to say WOW!" he said. "It is often times not just the Soldiers but it is also the Families that give us tremendous support to everything that we do. It's particularly awe-inspiring and emotional when you see a youngster step up and take control of a situation."
Fort Drum Directorate of Emergency Services created the 911 Hero Award specifically because of Jazlynn Weintraub's extraordinary courage and bravery. The organization realized the need to recognize young people for extraordinary courage and bravery in a very difficult and emotional time. The award recognizes young people who have called 911 and helped to save life, limb and / or property.
The hope is that her actions will help other children realize that the 911 Emergency System can be used by people of any age and can make a potential life-changing difference in someone else's life.
"The 911 call center obviously took the call and was totally impressed by her maturity and her ability to relay the information and get emergency services there," Goyette said. "That is when we realized we have younger people that actually are stepping up and doing what many adults know already. She was truly an inspiration, and we want to recognize her for her efforts and her actions. She was really heroic."
Sgt. Samuel Weintraub, assigned to 2nd Brigade Special Troop Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, is Jazlynn's father. He gives a lot of credit to school and his wife for teaching Jazlynn about 911. He thinks it is very important for children to know who to call for emergencies.
"I know she is a great kid. I'm happy that she's the first recipient (of the award), and everyone can see how much of a great kid she is," he said proudly.
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