By Kevin Boneske
Staff Writer
ASHWAUBENON – Four citizens credited for saving the life of a 3-year-old boy who nearly drowned last summer were recognized Friday, Feb. 1, at the village hall.
Ashwaubenon Public Safety Chief Eric Dunning presented Tyler Mankovecky, Michelle Malek, Nicole Malek and Elizabeth Kvoriak with Citizen Lifesaver Awards.
Dunning noted the boy, Calyx Harnowski, was playing at a family gathering July 1 in Ashwaubenon where many children and adults were in attendance when Calyx entered the pool and slipped under the water for an unknown amount of time.
“Tyler Mankovecky came to the edge of the pool and saw Calyx’s lifeless body at the bottom of the pool and immediately took action by jumping in and pulling him out,” Dunning said. “Michelle Malek, Nicole Malek and Elizabeth Kvoriak came to Calyx’s rescue and the three performed CPR as 911 was summoned.”
After Ashwaubenon Public Safety responded to the scene and took care of Calyx, Dunning said the boy was resuscitated and then recovered in a hospital.
“Tyler, Michelle, Nicole and Elizabeth each deserve these awards, because without their swift and effective actions it is likely that Calyx would not be here today,” Dunning said.
Calyx’s father, Josh Harnowski, also spoke to thank those for saving his son’s life.
“I’ve talked to these guys many times about it, but my family can never thank everybody enough,” Josh Harnowski said. “These guys started it all, from them to the first responders, the doctors, nurses, everything.”
Calyx, who was also on hand for the ceremony, received hugs from each of the award recipients and also posed for pictures.