Hero girl, 7, honored for saving grandfather's life

(From left to right) Anthony Victorino, Jr., Maggie Miksch and Mary Vitek, CEO for Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council. Maggie, age 7, received the Girl Scout Medal of Honor for saving the life of her grandfather Anthony. Lifesaving Awards recognize Girl Scouts from 5-17 years of age who have heroically saved or attempted to save a life. Maggie is only one of 13 girls in the nation to receive this prestigious award this year.

  DAYTON, TX (KTRK) -- A seven-year-old girl from Dayton, TX, has joined an elite group. Girl Scout Daisy Maggie Miksch received the Lifesaving Award from the Girl Scouts of the USA for her act of bravery and heroism in saving the life of her grandfather, Anthony "Elephant" Victorino, Jr.

While preparing dinner on February 15, Maggie's grandfather became ill and fell to the floor. Maggie quickly and calmly sprang into action. She called her father on his cell phone to tell him of the incident. Maggie's father immediately called 911, Maggie's mother and neighbors for help on a separate phone. He then walked Maggie through the steps of checking her grandfather's vital signs. Maggie also made sure the gas stove that her grandfather was cooking on had been turned off. When Maggie's grandfather regained consciousness, he couldn't talk clearly, catch his breath or stand up. Maggie got a small pillow that she placed under his head and instructed her three-year-old sister to get a small towel that she could dampen and place on her grandfather's forehead. When help arrived, Maggie recalled what happened and showed paramedics where her grandfather kept his medicine.

"I know I am her father, but I have never in my life been so proud of anyone," said John Miksch, Maggie's father. "At seven years of age, (Maggie) never panicked, cried or left her grandfather's side."

Lifesaving Awards have been a part of Girl Scouts since Girl Scouting began in the United States in 1912. These awards recognize Girl Scouts from 5-17 years of age who have heroically saved or attempted to save a life. There are two Lifesaving Awards -- the Lifesaving Bronze Cross is given for saving a life or attempting to save a life with risk to the candidate's own life and the Lifesaving Medal of Honor is given for saving a life or attempting to save a life without risk to the candidate's own life. Maggie earned the Lifesaving Medal of Honor.

"The mission of Girl Scouts is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place," said Mary Vitek, chief executive office for Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council. "Maggie is a living testament to the highest principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law and we could not be prouder of her achievement."

In 2012, only 13 girls in the nation earned this prestigious award. Maggie was awarded hers on August 29.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Dad dies while saving drowning son

LA PORTE, TX (KTRK) -- A La Porte family is mourning a father who died trying to save his son from drowning.

It was supposed to be a family fishing trip along the San Luis Pass, and 44-year-old Juan Vela and his children were thrilled.

"He was happy and everything. He wanted to go fishing, 'cause we often go do that with him," his son, Rene Vela, said.

But the water that looked harmless from shore became deadly. It started when a family friend's young daughter got into trouble. Fourteen-year-old Rene Vela tried to help and soon got caught into the currents himself.

"When I was trying to save the little girl, I just took another step I just went all the way down. I couldn't get air," he said.

The teen says neither he nor anyone in the family really knew how to swim, but when his father saw that he was in trouble, he went into the water anyway.

"He's a brave man, I think it was a father instinct," uncle Jaime Cardenas, said.

"He kept pushing me to shore so I can get there, and then he just decided to give up," Rene said.

Rene made it to shore, but by the time his dad was pulled from the water, it was too late.

Through her tears, Gloria Vela describes her husband of 25 years as a hardworking man whose main focus was providing for his family and he died trying to save them.

"He risked his life for me, and I'm happy to be alive and not dead," Rene said.

The Vela family says they plan on laying Juan to rest on Wednesday.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Houston Fire Department - Saving the City From Fire Damage