Orlando teen honored for saving sister's life

Alex Flores is a member of the Orlando Police Department's Explorer program and aspires to be a police officer.  Earlier this month, Alex and his family were at their home when his 11-month-old sister, Jordyn-Grace, started choking.  Her dad frantically tried to help, but the baby turned blue and was unconscious. 

That's when Alex stepped in, taking the infant into his arms and using the training he received in the Explorer program to dislodge food in her throat, enabling her to regain consciousness and breathe normally.  Paramedics arrived and checked out the baby, whose vitals were good.

"He's an amazing son, an amazing 14-year old," said Alex's father, Joel Flores. "He's great, I'm very proud of him"

The boy's actions earned the praise of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who tweeted, "Proud of Alex for staying calm & using the skills he learned as an @OrlandoPolice Explorer to save his sister's life."

Alex has been an Explorer for nearly a year, according to the police department.  When Alex was younger, he wanted to join the military, but ever since the 5th grade, his dream has been to become a police officer.  On Monday, he received a special honor from the City of Orlando.  He knew his training might come in handy, but he never thought it would be his own baby sister.

"It's just a  feeling of wow!  This could really happen, and this is why they are teaching it to you," Alex said.  "I did what I had to do to preserve a precious life. She's not even a year old; I'm so glad i was able to save her, and I'm able to watch her grow up."