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Immigrants in the News: Aida Simon recognized for saving life of 4-year-old in Worthington
Posted on Mar 30 2017
“It kind of humbled me — not only just finding the child but seeing the community come together, just running around to save a child’s life,” she said. “It just made me feel like ‘Wow, what a community we have here.’”
Aida Simon, an Eritrean immigrant and long-time ILCM supporter, was honored with a Lifesaving Award from the Worthington Police Department. The Worthington Daily Globe reported on her Lifesaving Award from the Worthington Police Department and the city of Worthington.
When 4-year old Simon Legesse, was reportedly missing, Aida Simon, parent engagement specialist at the Nobles County Integration Collaborative, immediately went to Legesse’s mother to support and serve as an interpreter. Simon Legesse had been dropped off near his home at Knollwood apartments by the school bus like usual. Yet, as hours went by, Simon never came home.
Policemen, firefighters, co-workers, and community members all came out to help in the search for Simon Legesse.
“While officers searched the area, Simon noticed a rug tucked underneath a chair on the patio outside of the apartment. She felt something in her gut — an unshakable feeling that Legesse was there. When she walked outside to check, she found Legesse tucked under the rug, ending the search and saving his life.”