This Thanksgiving, a local family is thankful for the quick-thinking actions of their son.
Cole Silva, a second-grader at American Leadership Academy Queen Creek K-6, received the Queen Creek Citizen Award Nov. 15 for saving the life of his 3-year-old sister, Jordyn Silva, after he witnessed her fall into his family’s backyard swimming pool.
Cole's father, Doug Silva, provided an exclusive, first-hand account of the family’s emotional journey and response to his son’s heroic actions. Cole's mother is Tamara Silva.
Back in August, the Queen Creek Police Department and Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department responded to a call of an unresponsive child who had been found in the backyard swimming pool. Cole witnessed his little sister fall into the swimming pool and without hesitation, sprang into action. He jumped into the pool to rescue his little sister while calling out for help. A family friend heard the cries and met Cole at the steps of the swimming pool. They immediately administered CPR and when police and fire arrived on scene, Cole’s sister was breathing and responsive.
Here's a Q&A Doug Silva did with his son's Queen Creek school, American Leadership Academy:
How did you feel when you realized your son was stepping in to save your daughter?
“We did not know that he was the one that jumped in to save her until we were told later by law enforcement. The moment the officer told me it was my son Cole who jumped in to save her, I immediately had a rush of pride and thankfulness. So thankful for the person my son is and has always been, and proud that when he was tested in a difficult time, he was the one in the crowd who didn’t hesitate to put himself in a position to save another person’s life. That was followed immediately with the thought of, ‘Of course it was Cole.’ I wouldn’t expect anything less from him. He has been an extraordinary young man since the day he was born.”
Can you describe the qualities of your son that you believe made him a hero in the moment?
“My son has always displayed the qualities of an exceptional leader. He has a heart full of compassion for others and loyalty to his friends and loved ones. He has tremendous courage and bravery and displays it in everything he attempts. He has a high moral compass and is a very disciplined individual. When Cole sets a goal for himself, he has the determination and dedication it takes to follow through and attain his desires.”
In what ways do you think your son's quick thinking and courage made a difference during the incident?
“Because of Cole’s quick actions – Jordyn was able to be pulled from the water, receive CPR, and be brought back to life in a short period of time. This resulted in absolutely ZERO negative effects for Jordyn post the incident. If Jordyn remained underwater for longer, had Cole not immediately jumped into action, if he had frozen, or ran inside, instead of immediately jumping in, fully knowing he’s not the best swimmer…. Jordyn most certainly would have had a different outcome and on-going negative effects to being under that long, or worse.”
Has your perception of your son changed since this heroic act?
“NOT ONE BIT. Cole has always been an amazing son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. There is never a time I worry how my son will conduct himself when I am not around. Cole has high integrity and exudes excellence daily. Cole will forever be his little sister’s hero, but he has been his family’s pride and joy for a very long time. There is no limit to the success Cole has in his future.”
Have there been discussions within your family about the significance of your son's actions?
“Of course! His twin sisters are too young to understand, and his third sister is severely autistic, so they don’t understand. But we and the extended family have discussed the significance with Cole.”
How do you think your son's heroism has influenced your daughter's perception of him?
“Very little. She has just turned 3 years old and does not remember what happened. Additionally, Jordyn and Cole are very close. If he had to pick, we are sure Cole would pick Jordyn as his favorite sister, and Jordyn would do the same with Cole. They have always loved each other profusely and had an impenetrable bond. Cole is a hero to all his sisters… and that was long before this incident occurred. Cole didn’t just save his sister’s life that day. He changed the course of his entire family’s future, had there been a different outcome. Hero’s walk among us, and Cole is one of them, and always will be.”
