The San Marino City Council recognized San Marino’s police officers and firefighters for saving the life of 3-year-old San Marino resident Chanelle Hong. On June 5, during a family barbecue, Hong was found drowning in her swimming pool after her life jacket slipped off.
Her cousins, Kelly and Kevin Zhong, quickly noticed Chanelle drowning and notified Chanelle’s aunt, uncle and parents.
San Marino Police Corporal Victor Gee was the first to respond and “started a series of events that led to a chain of survival for a very special young girl,” according to San Marino Fire Chief Mario Rueda.
Division Chief Brian Frieders, the on-duty incident commander that day, said Corporal Gee was “the key to survival in this entire event.”
Division Chief Frieders added, “The girl standing right there is a result of [police officers’ and firefighters’] hard work, their training, their dedication to you, the citizens of the city.”
The group of two dozen police officers and firefighters that gathered in council chambers at San Marino City Hall on the morning of July 29 was a testament to the police and fire departments’ joint effort.
“I want to emphasize the teamwork and the dedication of both the police department and fire department to ensure that Chanelle was going to survive and getting her to the hospital and getting her the care she needed immediately so that she’s with us smiling,” said San Marino Police Chief John Incontro.
No one values Chanelle’s smile more than her mom, Amy Zhong, who was present at the recognition ceremony along with her husband John Hong; daughters Ashley and Chanelle Hong; niece and nephew Kelly and Kevin Zhong and their parents.
With tears running down her cheeks, Amy Zhong said, “I cannot thank the San Marino Police and Fire Departments enough. Because of them I can hug my little girl again every morning.”
“I especially want to thank Victor Gee who came to help immediately and give us huge emotional support,” she added. “I’m very impressed by their efficiency and dedication. Less than one minute after the 911 call, police officers and firefighter rescuers arrived.”
