BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A nine-year-old boy was recognized as a hero by emergency personnel during a city council meeting after helping a woman experiencing a medical emergency during his walk to school.
Officials with Ridgecrest said on November 3, 2025, during his walk to school with a friend, the boy, Jace Swader, was met with a scene of a woman, who was alone and having a medical emergency.
Jace flagged down a passing driver to have them call 911.
Jace then stayed on the sidewalk with the victim, laying down next to her to let her know she was not alone, according to officials.
He didn’t leave the scene until the adult was in the care of Kern County Fire and Liberty Ambulance.
Jace was recognized as a local hero during the city council meeting on Wednesday night.
A nine-year-old boy was recognized as a hero by emergency personnel during a city council meeting after helping a woman experiencing a medical emergency during his walk to school. CREDIT: City of Ridgecrest
“We need more people like Jace in our community,” said Ridgecrest Police Chief Mario Ysit during the meeting. “We are very proud of Jace.”
Jace said during the meeting, “I would like to give a thank you to my parents and my family who took their time to come down here. And my teacher who teaches me.”
A nine-year-old boy was recognized as a hero by emergency personnel during a city council meeting after helping a woman experiencing a medical emergency during his walk to school. CREDIT: City of Ridgecrest
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
In a social media post by the City of Ridgecrest, it said, “Thank you Jace, what an amazing example of kindness and bravery.”