LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A local firefighter is being called a hero after saving a 12-year-old boy who was found unresponsive in a waterpark pool.

The dramatic rescue took place while the firefighter, Fern Creek Fire and EMS Acting Sgt. Aaron Dossey, was on vacation with his family in Cincinnati.

"I just happened to look to my left and saw what I thought was a kid swimming underwater," Dossey said. "But when I looked closer, I realized he wasn’t moving. He was face down at the bottom of the pool."

Despite being off-duty, Dossey's emergency medical training kicked in. He quickly pulled the boy from the water, discovering that the child had no pulse and wasn’t breathing. Dossey immediately began CPR.

"I did about 30 compressions, and by the time the first lifeguard arrived with a rescue mask, I had done another 20 or 30 compressions," Dossey said. "Then, he took his first shallow breath."

By the time paramedics arrived, the boy had regained consciousness and was able to tell Dossey his name and age.

"I’m just glad I was there," Dossey said. "The most important thing is that he’s back with his family. His mom didn’t have to go home with one less child."

The boy’s mother, who was elsewhere in the waterpark, was overwhelmed with gratitude when she arrived.

"He was underwater, unconscious, and this guy pulled him out and did CPR," a staff member told her. "He saved your child."

Sgt. Dossey, who has performed CPR countless times in his role as an EMT, downplayed the attention, focusing instead on the outcome.

"At the end of the day, it’s just about getting the person back to their family," he said.

Dossey's actions have not gone unnoticed. Assistant Chief Dewayne Hutchens of Fern Creek Fire and EMS praised him for his quick thinking.

"Even when off-duty, Sergeant Dossey remained alert and took immediate action to save that child," Hutchens said. "We’re extremely proud of him."

Because of his heroism, Dossey will be honored by the Metro Council on Monday.

"Recognition is important, but knowing the boy is okay—that’s what matters most," Dossey said.

Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All rights reserved.