Little girl, big hero

Friday, Nov. 20, 2009

Click here to enlarge this photo Staff photo by MEREDITH SOMERS E-Mail This Article | Print This Story

Four-year-old Samantha Mason holds the hand of 911 dispatcher Jaime Ostrander as they both accept the accolades of the Charles County commissioners at their Tuesday meeting. Samantha and Ostrander worked together to save the life of Samantha's mother, Sharon Mason, in early August, when she fell unconscious at her home because of a new diabetes medicine she had taken earlier. Having been taught by her mom how to call 911 in emergencies, the child dialed Ostrander and the two stayed on the phone together until emergency personnel were able to locate the home and revive Sharon Mason. The recognition was part of the commissioners' proclamation for American Diabetes Month. Commissioner Reuben B. Collins II (D) called Samantha's quick thinking "true heroism in a very small package." Pictured are Mamie Johnson, left, Sharon Mason, Samantha and Ostrander.