On Monday afternoon, January 14, 10 year old Mansfield Elementary student, Skylar Walker received the 911 Hero Award.
The award was presented by Corporal Tom Garrison of the Mansfield Police Department. Garrison and Huntington Police Officer Mark Harris responded to a 911 call on October 17, 2018. The call was from a young girl who told dispatch “someone is hurting my mom.”
Authorities would soon learn the name of this young hero. She thought and acted quickly, retrieving her mom’s phone and retreated to a safe place to make the 911 call. She did not retreat alone, however. She bravely gathered her siblings and together they found a safe spot to hide.
Garrison spoke to Walker’s peers sharing “her brave actions are why we are here today. Your fellow student that acted so bravely, Skyler Walker.”
Walker made the emotional trek to the stage, and with tear filled eyes hugged the officer who came to her family’s aid that night. Her mother, who was in the audience, proudly looked on.
The award was presented on behalf of the Mansfield and Huntington Police Department, Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office and 911 dispatchers, Jeffrey Reaves and Dawn Perez. A special thanks to Mansfield Mayor Buddy Black and the Mansfield School District for their participation in the ceremony.
