(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — A 16-year-old was honored on Friday, June 20 with a 911 Hero Award from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) for remaining calm and getting the help his baby sister needed when she started choking.

According to EPSO, on May 5, 2-year-old Gianna began choking on a coin and was having trouble breathing. Her big brother, 16-year-old Conner Leavell, quickly dialed 911, and EPSO said he remained calm and verified his address and followed all instructions given by Communications Supervisor Dana Bean.

As the Security Fire Department was responding, EPSO said Bean guided Conner through life-saving steps while he relayed instructions to his mother, Rebecca Guerra. Conner monitored Gianna’s condition, provided real-time updates, and helped keep the situation under control until first responders arrived.

“I was terrified, and I was trying to keep calm to keep them calm,” said Guerra. “But he was really my rock and keeping me calm. I don’t know what I would have done without him.”

EPSO said the combined efforts of Conner, his mom, and the dispatcher ensured little Gianna received the critical help she needed.

Conner and his family were present for an award ceremony at the Security Fire Department on Friday, where Conner received a medallion and a certificate commemorating his bravery and strength during such a heart wrenching situation.