12-Year-Old Son of 2 First Responders Saves Friend’s Life During Beach Field Trip

Pascoag Fire Department/Facebook

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and even though we may usually think of heroes as adults, kids sometimes come to the rescue and save the day. A 12-year-old boy from Rhode Island saw a friend in need on a recent class field trip and jumped right into the water to save him. Alex Dupuis, the son of two first responders, may have quick thinking and bravery in his genes.

Alex was later honored by the Pascoag Fire Department’s Board of Fire Commissioners with a special "Hero Award." The department posted on Facebook that it was proud of Alex, “who has quite literally grown up in our firehouse.”

Alex was with his middle school classmates on an annual beach trip.

Alex and his friends were swimming at Spring Lake Beach when another friend noticed a student who appeared to be struggling in the water, WPRI reported. Alex wanted to help and jumped into the water, hoping to save his friend.

“I jumped in and swam to him,” he told WPRI. “He grabbed onto me and I went underwater, but I was able to get us back up.”

The young man helped his classmate stay above water until lifeguards could bring the two boys back to shore.

As the son of first responders, Alex knew what to do.

He told WPRI that he wasn’t doing anything heroic; he was just helping a friend in need.

“I don’t really think of myself as a hero,” Alex said. “I know a lot of first responders save people every day and anyone could have done what I did.”

Officials at the school reportedly contacted his family.

Alex didn’t have a chance to tell his parents what happened at the beach before school officials told them the good news. His father, Matthew Dupuis, told WPRI how proud he was of his son.

“I think it’s amazing what he did. We try to set a good example of, when you see someone in distress, or anytime someone needs help, you help them. No matter what the situation is, you do your best,” he said.

His dad added that his son has a lot of character, “But the fact that he did it on his own speaks volumes to the type of person he is and who he’s going to be.”

The fire department honored the young hero.

The Pascoag Fire Department posted a Facebook invitation for community members to attend a special ceremony honoring Alex on July 8 at the Howard Avenue Firehouse.

Staff presented him with the “Hero Award." The fire department wrote, “We are very proud of this young man, who has quite literally grown up in our firehouse. Well done, Alex!”

Community members congratulated Alex on his bravery.

Comments on the fire department’s Facebook page praised the young man.

“Wonderful act of heroism !! Congratulations," someone wrote. "We are all very proud of you. ”

This person agreed, commenting, “That is awesome! The little guy is a hero! Following his mom and dad.”

Alex, we think you are amazing and can't wait to see what the future has in store.