Boy Honored for His Courage in Rescue of Drowning Toddler

Seven-year-old Robert Bruce may be a hero, but he’s a humble one.

After helping to save the life of a 2-year-old neighbor who had fallen into a swimming pool last weekend, Robert has received pats on the back, numerous awards and even an invitation to appear on the nationally televised talk show “Leeza.”

But he’s having none of that.

After a Faylane Elementary School assembly Friday at which the first-grader was presented with commendations by the Garden Grove Police Department, the American Red Cross, Disneyland and even the Power Rangers, it was clear that Robert just wanted to go back to class.

He politely answered questions from media, though, posed for pictures with his family and shook hands with school officials. And he explained that when he reached for the submerged toddler Sunday from the side of the pool, the situation was a bit scary.

Garden Grove police took the opportunity to award Robert the department’s Certificate of Courage, presented for bravery, and to explain to Faylane’s 400 kindergarten through third-grade students that they should never jump into a swimming pool after a drowning friend and instead should follow Robert’s example.

The boy tried to reach his 2-year-old neighbor from the side of the pool. Neighbor Michael Yates was passing by and jumped over the pool fence and pulled Kevin Nguyen from the water.

“The important thing is that he allowed an adult to help,” said Frank Mackay, Faylane principal. “It’s neat to be a hero, but it’s not neat to be a victim.”

Robert’s mother, Heather Brunell, said her son isn’t fazed by the attention he has received since the rescue. He turned down “Leeza” in favor of his Wednesday evening softball game, but Brunell said Robert is truly thrilled that “the baby” is still alive.

“When they brought him home from the hospital Monday,” she said of the toddler, “Robbie went right down there to see if he was all right. That’s the big thing.”