Boy, 7, recognized for saving his 5-year-old brother’s life

WARREN — At the July 9 Warren City Council meeting, Chance Mason, 7, received recognition for heroism and bravery for performing the lifesaving Heimlich maneuver on his 5-year-old brother, Jaxon.

It was a quiet summer evening on June 28 at the Warren home of Jennifer Mason where Chance and Jaxon, her grandsons, were watching TV and enjoying their favorite snack of chips and cheese. Jennifer was online booking a campsite for the family’s next adventure when Jaxon came to his grandmother in distress with his hands at his neck, choking on food. She raised his arms and pounded on his back to dislodge the food but to no avail. She then called 911.

According to Jennifer, while she was on the phone with the first responders, Chance said, “I got this,” and sprang into action. He started the Heimlich maneuver on Jaxon, which dislodged the chip from his throat.

After the incident, Jaxon turned to his brother and said, “You are a hero and I’m not ready for heaven,” according to the written statement from Jennifer Mason, read by Warren City Council Secretary Mindy Moore.

The Warren City Council presented Chance with a certificate of recognition in celebration of the extraordinary heroism and quick thinking he displayed when saving his brother, according to Moore, who presented Chance with the certificate.

The Warren Fire Department, which oversees all 911 calls, also gave Chance honors. Fire Commissioner Wilburt “Skip” McAdams presented the 7-year-old with a civilian proclamation.

“Chance Mason, witnessing his 5-year-old brother Jaxon in distress, came to the aid of his brother, who was choking on a food particle, successfully performing the Heimlich maneuver, dislodging the food that had cut off Jaxon’s airway,” McAdams said. “Because of his heroic actions, he (Chance) was able to save the life of his 5-year-old brother.”

The fire commissioner, along with Warren Police Commissioner Charles Rushton and other police officers, congratulated Chance and Jaxon Mason and presented them with a goodie bag that included Warren Fire Department helmets.

Chance was described in the statement from his grandmother as a “Superstar baseball player, exemplary student, and an awesome boy who loves attending church. His dream is to become a police officer.”

McAdams said, “You are well on your way of achieving your dream of becoming a police officer.”