‘Hero’ Honor for Woman Who Saved 2-Year-Old

Mayor Susan Withrow proclaimed Danette Jenkins a “Home Town Hero” this week for quick actions that saved a 2-year-old neighbor from drowning last month.

Jenkins, 31, was in her backyard when she heard screams from next door: “He’s not breathing!” She knew her neighbors had a pool and immediately called 911.

When she arrived next door, she found Trevor Heider beside the pool, failing to breathe and turning blue. While the boy’s father was on the phone with a 911 dispatcher, Jenkins began applying CPR to the toddler. After about six breaths, Trevor gurgled, threw up on Jenkins and began breathing again.

“You don’t think, you don’t plan, your instincts just take over,” Jenkins said. “I have three children myself and you never know how you’re going to react in a crisis.”

Jenkins is the city’s 15th “Home Town Hero” since the program’s inception in January 1996. As a dental assistant, she is required to be certified in CPR.

“I don’t think of myself as a hero,” Jenkins said, “but everyone is certainly making me feel like one.”

Trevor, who has since recovered completely, is the county’s 15th near-drowning victim this season.

“The critical thing in these situations is knowing CPR and immediate access to 911,” said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Scott Brown.

For information on free CPR training, call (714) 744-0496.