VENTURA : Boys Honored for Lifesaving Roles

Ricky Koger and Dennis Connelly of Ventura have won awards before.

But the Little League trophies and student-of-the-month certificates that decorate their bedrooms pale in comparison to the awards each 11-year-old received this week--plaques recognizing them as heroes for saving the life of a 4-year-old boy.

“I’ve gotten many school awards before, but none like this,” said Ricky on Tuesday, the day after Ventura Mayor Tom Buford handed the nervous duo heavy wooden plaques before the City Council and a cheering audience. “I’m going to hang it on my wall.”

Two months ago, the boys saved Ricky’s 4-year-old brother, Steven, from drowning in their swimming pool.

It was about 1:30 p.m. and the boys were splashing in the pool of their condominium complex in Todd Ranch when Dennis’ brother, Crist, noticed something odd.

Steven, who was playing in an inflatable ring at the opposite end of the pool, was face down in the water. When the boys swam over to investigate, they knew something was wrong.

“He was dark blue,” Dennis said. “His veins were even darker. They looked like they were going to burst.”

Immediately, the children pulled Steven out of the pool and yelled for help. Dennis’ uncle and his girlfriend, who were at the pool, started CPR on the boy and called 911.

When firefighters arrived, Steven was lying on a lounge chair beside the pool.

“He was still pretty much out of it,” said acting Capt. John Duff of the Ventura Fire Department. “If he would have been in there another minute or two there could have been the possibility of death. If nothing else, they prevented long-term injury.”

The boy was taken to Ventura County Medical Center for observation, and Duff went back to the station to write a memo to his supervisor recommending a commendation for the boys.

“It’s something long overdue for the Fire Department, giving citizens a pat on the back,” Duff said.

At Monday night’s City Council meeting, Buford gave the obviously nervous boys certificates of recognition and plaques for their heroism.

“I could hear them come out of the meeting, giggling and breathing a sigh of relief,” Duff said. “It kind of made you feel good that it is something these kids will remember forever.”

“I was a little nervous,” Dennis said. “I was thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m up here.’ I was just happy I wasn’t alone.”