Boy meets heroes who saved him from drowning


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(05-30-2019) CPR-trained strangers came together to help rescue a 9-year-old boy who nearly drowned in a local hotel pool, and now they are being recognized in The City of Blue Ash.

The boy, Jaymere Stonestreet, met with and thanked his heroes, Rebekah Haire and Craig Montagner, at the Blue Ash Fire Department this evening.

Jaymere Stonestreet ebekah Haire and Craig Montagner


“We both know CPR. Craig did chest compressions while I performed mouth-to-mouth on Jaymere. Craig was a great partner – we felt like a team,” said Haire, of the harrowing poolside resuscitation in late April.

Montagner said he ran over to help when he saw Jaymere being pulled from the pool and heard Rebekah calling for help.

“I didn’t hesitate. I jumped into action and started CPR,” Montagner said.

Jaymere and his father, Richard Turner, reached out to Blue Ash Police and the fire department to facilitate the meeting today.

“We are pleased that we are able to bring these folks together. It’s a happy ending to a very scary situation; truly a miracle,” said Sgt. Jason Swartwout.

 Also being recognized for their quick response are Lt. Eric Simon, Engine 13’s Ben Degenhardt, Sam Mirizzi, and Taj Hameed, and Medic 13’s Ann Burrell and Patrick McConnell, and Blue Ash police officers Erik Nelson, Jerry Berning, Eric Bolser, Mark Owens and Jason Swartwout.

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 "This is a reminder of how important it is to be trained in CPR. If these bystanders had not had that knowledge, the result could have been much different for little Jaymere. We are so happy he made a full recovery,” said Fire Chief Chris Theders.

The meal for tonight's gathering was generously donated by Mission BBQ. 

The City of Blue Ash offers CPR training classes on the second Saturday of each month. 

 CPR training is $25 per student and the certification through the American Safety and Health Institute is good for two years.