Everett Fire Chief honors local heroes with Citizen Life-Saving Award for remarkable rescue at Silver Lake

Everett Fire Chief Dave DeMarco presented the Citizen Life-Saving Award to five local heroes during an August 20, 2025, city council meeting, recognizing their efforts in rescuing an 11-year-old boy from a near-drowning at Silver Lake on July 8. Thirteen-year-old Gauge Bryant played a pivotal role in the rescue, diving into the water to locate the child after he failed to resurface. Community members, including emergency room nurses, responded quickly to administer CPR before the Everett Fire Department arrived. Their collective actions led to a successful recovery, with the child regaining consciousness after a few days in the hospital. Chief DeMarco highlighted the need for water safety awareness and the importance of CPR training in emergency situations.

Gauge Bryant expressed humility regarding the recognition, focusing instead on meeting the victim and ensuring his well-being. His commitment to learning life-saving skills culminated in his certification in CPR and First Aid by the Everett Fire Department. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role community members play in emergency responses.