SENNETT — Earlier this month, a 6-year-old girl named Alivia Schroeder potentially saved her father’s life by making a 911 call during a seizure. The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office recognized her bravery and quick thinking on Thursday. Alivia, accompanied by her father Maison, sister Layla, and grandparents Stephen and Kathy Gould, were welcomed by officials and personnel at the county public safety building in Sennett. Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck named Alivia a junior deputy and presented her with a certificate, expressing his admiration and gratitude. Denise Spingler, the county 911 administrator, also commended Alivia for her calmness and ability to provide the necessary information to the dispatcher during the call. Alivia was delighted when Spingler gave her a red balloon with “911” on it, as well as a bag containing a Squishmallow stuffed animal, a coloring book, and crayons. Alivia had the opportunity to meet Deputy Nikki Loveless, who responded to the scene, Denise Cornelius from the communications training officer with the county 911 center, and McKenna Loerzel, a dispatcher in training. Cornelius and Loerzel, who took Alivia’s call, praised her for remaining calm throughout the situation. After taking pictures with the different personnel, Alivia and her family visited the 911 center, where she was introduced to other dispatchers, further solidifying her status as a hero. Alivia expressed her gratitude while clutching tightly to her balloon during conversations with the sheriff, Spingler, Cornelius, Loveless, and Loerzel. Loveless recounted the moment she received the call from Alivia, explaining how her heart sank when she heard that a 6-year-old was on the line reporting her unresponsive father. Fortunately, emergency medical personnel were already at the scene when Loveless arrived. She stayed with Alivia and Layla until their grandparents arrived, as Maison and his daughters had been staying with them. Loveless commended Alivia for her response and maturity despite her young age. Alivia revealed that she learned how to call 911 from her mother, Sara Green, when asked by the dispatchers. Maison shared that he began having seizures as an adult and they had become more severe in the past year. During this particular incident, he was in a recliner when the seizure occurred and he blacked out. Alivia explained that she found her father’s cell phone next to him and called 911 as he was drooling and shaking. She assured the dispatchers that he was still breathing. Utilizing the recliner’s button, Alivia made the chair recline to open her father’s airway. The dispatchers were able to hear Maison breathing on the call. He started to regain consciousness as responders arrived. Loerzel and Cornelius were impressed by Alivia’s ability to provide relevant information, such as names and addresses, allowing them to respond quickly. Everyone present praised Alivia’s bravery and credited her for her life-saving actions. Maison expressed his gratitude, stating that he is thankful every night for Alivia’s potential role in saving his life. Cornelius emphasized the importance of educating children about calling 911 and providing the dispatcher with the necessary information. The event ended with Alivia receiving an honorary junior deputy sheriff certificate and sitting in a dispatcher’s chair at the 911 center.