On Jan. 17, Vader boy Christopher Bastedo was riding his bike from his home in the South Lewis County community, headed to a friend’s grandmother’s home.
But when he got there, he found his friend’s grandmother, Vickie Hobbs, had suffered a medical emergency, leaving her on the ground and unable to get up to call for help.
Knowing the Cowlitz-Lewis Fire District 20 firehouse was just a few blocks away, Bastedo hopped back onto his bike and raced to the firehouse, where he knocked on the door until firefighters answered.
Those firefighters happened to be from the neighboring, partner fire district in Winlock, Lewis County Fire District 15.
However, as he didn’t know Hobbs’ exact address, he had to hop back onto his bike, and then led paramedics to her location to provide medical aid.
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, Bastedo was honored by firefighters and paramedics from both fire districts at the Cowlitz-Lewis Fire District 20 commissioners meeting.
He received a Youth Hero Award signed by Fire District 20 Chief Richard Underdahl and was named a junior firefighter.
On top of that, he also got a $50 gift card to the Little Crane Cafe in Vader.
Bastedo was given his awards by two of the first responders from Fire District 15 who were the ones who actually answered the door when he was knocking, Justin Shoemaker and Darby Snyder.
“We were actually on the way back from a call when this happened, and he was beating on the door when we showed up,” Shoemaker said. “Who knows how long he was out there trying to get us, but he finally got some help and our attention.”
Upon arrival at Hobbs’ home, the firefighters were able to provide urgently needed medical attention and get her to the hospital. Along with Bastedo’s family and friends, Hobbs was also in attendance Wednesday night to see him get his award.
“We recognize you and your bravery for coming to see us and making a difference in somebody’s life,” Snyder said.
She added: “You made a really big difference. We were able to get someone the help that they needed. So thank you for doing that for us.”
