Most kids are happy to have trophies for swimming and soccer to decorate their mantle, but after today, Arjunpal Khattra will have to make some space for a special piece of hardware that only a few people will ever get to claim.
The six-year-old received a ‘young hero’ award for bravery from York Regional Police in a special ceremony Monday at YRP headquarters in Newmarket.
Named one of four “young leaders,” in a ceremony organized by the Intercultural Dialogue Institute of the GTA, Khattra was recognized for coming to the aid of his father in a situation that could have turned tragic last year.
It was back on Nov. 9, 2014 that the two were driving home from grabbing a slice of pizza when they stopped to move cars at a relative’s property near 9th line and 14th avenue in Markham around 10 p.m.
Walking around the property Khattra’s father, Gogi, took a wrong step and fell 25 feet into a soggy well where he found himself waist-deep in water.
Khattra had fallen asleep in the car, but woke up hours later to find his father missing. Worried, the youngster went looking for him, and eventually found him at the well.
The man sent his son to get help.
Khattra went to the road and tried to flag down passing cars, but was unsuccessful. He looked for open businesses, but found everything closed.
He then knocked on random doors, until he found someone who answered and came to help.
Eventually after several hours shivering in the cold well, emergency crews lowered a ladder so that the man could climb out.
“What a brave young man,” York Regional Police tweeted about the youngster along with a photo of him from the award ceremony Monday.
Speaking with CP24.com, Const. Andy Pattenden, who emceed Monday’s ceremony, said Khattra was selected of the award because of his remarkable composure under pressure.
“For a six-year-old to be able to not panic, to try and get the tools he needed to help and to keep trying to find help all in the middle of the night is amazing,” Pattenden said.
He said that Gogi didn’t break any bones in the fall, but was beginning to show early signs of hypothermia by the time emergency services responded.
“If his son hadn’t gotten help, worst case he could have died at the bottom of the well,” Pattenden said.
He added that Khattra’s parents were beaming at the ceremony, even if he himself kept his cool composure.
“He’s a boy of very few words,” Pattenden said. “I could tell he was both nervous and excited.”
Three other young people were recognized at the ceremony Monday for their volunteer work.
Lovejeet Bhattie was honoured as a successful alumnus of the Toronto Police Service’s Youth in Policing Initiative. Newmarket resident Cody Kaslove was recognized for his accomplishments as a co-op placement student at the York Regional Police Community Safety Village. And Toronto Paramedic Services recognized Chris Thind for his accomplishments as a member of First Downsview Medical Venturer Company.
Speaking at the ceremony, YRP Deputy André Crawford praised Khattra and his fellow honourees.
“Your achievements are truly remarkable,” Crawford said.
He also praised their parents and families.
“I believe that it is the caring and guidance that they have given these youths growing up that shapes their characters.”
He said the kids’ actions bring to light YRP’s motto “deeds first.”
The young leaders awards are given out annually by the Intercultural Dialogue Institute of the GTA to recognize outstanding youth.
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