VALENTINE, Neb. - A Valentine teen was honored for his potentially lifesaving actions during a surprise ceremony last week. Casey Miller thought he came to the Cherry County Courthouse to help his mom pack up her office. His mom, Dana Miller, recently resigned as Valentine’s Police Chief.

“I was told to be here at 2:00, so I was here at 2:00,” said Casey.

But little did he know, the real reason was to surprise him with an award. The American Heart Association recognized the 19-year-old with the Heartsaver Hero award for performing CPR during a life-or-death situation.

“It’s very well-deserved. This isn’t the first time he’s stepped up. He’s very calm, cool, collected and focused. We couldn’t have probably done what we did without him there,” said Billie Brockley with Cherry County Hospital Ambulance.

Did you catch that? This wasn’t Casey’s first time helping during an emergency. In fact, he’s been in the right place at the right time three times.

“It’s neat to see young people willing to run into the fire, rather than away, and taking action and trying to make a difference, and it’s really cool when it’s your own kid,” said Casey’s mom, Dana Miller.

Dana Miller has worked in law enforcement and volunteered with the ambulance for nearly three decades.

“We have four children. As the kids grew up, they were ‘voluntold’ to help with training scenarios at the police department, as well as at the ambulance. They’ve been immersed in it from ground zero,” said Dana.

But instead of focusing on his award, Casey hopes it inspires others to learn lifesaving skills.

“If there are classes for CPR, take them. Most of the time they’re free. You can save somebody’s life with it,” said Casey.

Lifesaving skills that can make all the difference.