Medford honors 2 girls for life-saving decision

MEDFORD, Mass. (WHDH) -- Two girls received the keys to city of Medford Friday for a heroic act that saved the life of a toddler.

The two children were swimming earlier this month when they found a little girl at the bottom of a pond. Instead of panicking, they got help.

Twelve-year-old Sky Trepelle and 11-year-old Sophia Bendok were honored by Medford’s mayor with the keys to the city for their quick action at Wright Pond two weeks ago.

“It was kind of really quick so I wasn't thinking much except oh my God, there’s a little girl under water, I’ve got to get her to help,” said Sky Trepelle.

The girls were looking for fish when they saw that 3-year-old blowing bubbles in the water -- then the bubbles stopped.

“I see this little girl and my first impression was that she was dead, but I picked her up and me and Sky carried her to her dad,” said Sophia Bendok.

“When I turned and saw these two young girls holding a lifeless body in their hand, as a parent you’re hoping it’s a joke but you know it’s not,” said Emanuele Trapelle, Sky’s father.

Emaneule Trapelle called out to lifeguards who performed CPR.

“Her limbs were not moving obviously ‘cause she was unconscious so it was definitely scary,” said Desiree Savoia, Medford lifeguard.

The little girl quickly regained consciousness, coughed up water, and started crying.

"Those precious two little girls who saw my daughter submerged under the water. Because of their instinct, they saved my daughter,” said Michael Ghebrelul, whose daughter was rescued.

The girls say it's nice to be called heroes, but even nicer to give a father a priceless gift.

"Oh my goodness. I don't know how to say thank you. I don’t have any words to express how grateful I am," Ghebrelul said.

The toddler spent 48 hours in the hospital after the rescue but has since fully recovered.