LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — There wasn't a dry eye at the City of Shively's Chili Cook-Off where a firefighter was honored for saving a young girl's life.
Shively firefighter Alex Himes was given the Exceptional Duty award Friday evening.
"My greatest accomplishment on the fire department was this little girl right here knowing that she walked away from that day and again that she joined our family," Himes said.
He was the first on scene to respond when Leleana Williams was accidentally shot in the head by her brother in their home.
Himes administered life-saving medical treatment and rode with Leleana in the ambulance to the hospital.
From that day on, the two families have grown incredibly close. Himes is now Leleana's godfather. Her family is forever grateful.
"The day when she got shot, he never left our side," William Williams, Leleana's dad, said. "God's angel, that's all I can say God's angel."
Leleana continues to recover from a brain injury but has made incredible progress.
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