On Oct. 29, 52-year-old Tammy Moore who was suffering from Stage IV liver disease, was sick and vomiting blood. She needed medical attention.
Her granddaughter, 6-year-old Alexia Moore, took action. Not only did the first-grader alertly dial 9-1-1, but she calmly told the dispatcher her address and described how her grandmother was feeling.
Alexia’s actions, according to Kokomo Police Capt. Chris Smith, saved Tammy’s life and earned her the gratitude from the Kokomo Police Department and City of Kokomo.
“She’s my hero,” Tammy said. “She saves me every day.”
For her actions, Alexia was presented the Civilian Life-Saving Award from the Kokomo Police Department Wednesday at City Hall.
“Do you know what you did?” KPD Chief Rob Baker asked Alexia in front of a crowd of police officers.
“I saved her life,” Alexia responded.
“You are a hero,” Baker told the girl. “Did you know that?”
A modest Alexia responded with a shrug of her shoulders.
Mayor Greg Goodnight thanked Alexia for her actions under pressure and presented her with a plaque and a medallion.
“On behalf of the city, we thank you for your heroism,” Goodnight said.
Prior to the presentation, Capt. Smith played the 911 tape from the night.
“My Nana is puking up blood,” a calm and collected Alexia told Ezekiel Zimmerman, a dispatcher at the Howard County Sheriff Department.
On the tape, Alexia answered the dispatcher’s questions, told him her address and had the front door unlocked for medical personnel.
“A lot of things went right because of the alertness of Alexia Moore,” Smith said during the presentation.
Zimmerman also praised Alexia for her calmness.
“I’ve dealt with some adults that aren’t that cool,” Zimmerman said. “She knew to be calm and knew her address. It’s a good feeling that a 6-year-old had the courage to save her grandma’s life.”
Angie Huskey, Alexia’s teacher at Sycamore Elementary School, was not surprised with her student’s calm demeanor.
“I’m so proud of her,” said Huskey, who along with Steve Eby, Alexia’s physical education teacher, attended the presentation.
“She’s in the [Kokomo’s Enrichment Of Youth] Program. “I’m not surprised she was able to do this. I’m just proud to have her in my class. I think she’s a fine role model for other students.”
Mike Fletcher, Tribune crime reporter may be reached at 765-454-8565, or via e-mail at mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com
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