6-YEAR-OLD'S HEROICS NET AWARD OF VALOR

Jerrick Myers, 6, was called a hero Thursday by the Cape Girardeau Fire Department.

Jerrick, son of Doug and Melinda Myers of Gordonville, received the department's Award of Valor for his "heroic role" in the saving his grandmother's life March 30.

He called 911 and summoned help for his grandmother, Mary Morgan of Cape Girardeau, after her blood sugar suddenly dropped from her diabetes and she became unconscious.

Fire Chief Robert Ridgeway also recognized the community service of Doug Friese, Bill Logan and fire Capt. Mearlin Allen during Thursday's awards presentation.

Friese, owner of Universal Physique, and Logan, wellness coordinator for St. Francis Medical Center, implemented the physical fitness program for local firefighters, who are working out at Universal while on duty to improve their strength and conditioning.

Allen coordinated the department's Christmas display at the North County Park. Ridgeway said Allen contributed many hours in making the display one of the best in the area.

Fire Capt. Rick Crites, who responded to Morgan's house after Jerrick called 911, described how calm and thoughtful the youngster was in providing information to the dispatcher during the emergency.

Crites said the award was unusual and demonstrated how efforts in public education can help youngsters know what to do in an emergency.

As Ridgeway presented the plaque, he told Jerrick he was proud of what the boy had done to save his grandmother. Jerrick took the honor in stride and headed back to the arms of his mother, as the surrounding firefighters applauded.

Melinda Myers later said the whole family was proud of Jerrick. Her mother was watching Jerrick and his 2-year-old brother, Tyler, when the incident happened.

"My mother would have died without his help," she said.

She had instructed Jerrick on what could happen to his grandmother because she has diabetes and a heart condition. He realized what was happening and got her emergency glucose kit, but she still passed out.

Jerrick then dialed the wrong number first, but realized his mistake and got it right the second time.

Doug Myers, who worked in law enforcement in the Air Force, said his son is comfortable with police and firefighters because he has been around them most of his life. He thinks that helped Jerrick stay calm.

Melinda Myers said her son knew what to do from his afternoon kindergarten class at Jackson. Family discussions at home about 911 also helped.

Pam Friedrich, Jerrick's kindergarten teacher, said the students learn about community helpers during the early part of the school year. The discussion grows from helpers at home, to the school and the entire community, including police and firefighters.

The lessons teach students police and firefighters are friends, not people to be feared, Friedrich said. The students heard from a Jackson policeman and a fireman about the proper ways to use 911 in an emergency.

Friedrich called Jerrick a "very bright boy," who takes school seriously and follows instructions.

Ridgeway said he had a lot of respect for Jerrick and his parents, giving them credit for their influence on the boy's life.

The chief also said the incident stresses how public education through emergency response personnel is working to save lives. He said it's obvious that youngsters are getting the message.

The chief also said Jerrick is the youngest honoree he has seen in his 30-year career as a firefighter.