Julio Herrera performed the Heimlich maneuver to save the choking man.
Tuesday was Julio Herrera Day in Phillipsburg.
The honor was bestowed upon the local 10-year-old for his heroic actions on Jan. 31, when he performed the Heimlich maneuver and saved his choking grandfather.
"There's no greater deed than to save someone's life," town police officer Anthony Goodell told Julio on Tuesday after the elementary school student was recognized at the town council meeting. A proclamation officially named the day for Julio.
Julio Herrera, 10, shows the Phillipsburg proclamation naming March 27, 2017, as Julio Herrera day for his actions that saved his choking grandfather. (Steve Novak | For lehighvalleylive.com)Julio said he was watching TV when his brother noticed their grandfather, Kenneth Allen, was choking on popcorn and turning blue, which also spurred a seizure. While Julio's grandmother Brenda called 911, the youth sprang into action.
"I got up behind him and started pushing up on his lower stomach area," he recalled.
Officer Goodell was the first to arrive at the Washington Street home after 911 was called, and found Allen breathing.
Brenda Allen said she was "very, very proud" of her grandson. "He knew what to do quicker than I did."
Asked how he knew to perform the Heimlich in that situation, Julio deadpanned: "I watch too many cop shows."
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.