Canyon Fire Department honors 4-year-old for saving younger brother after pool accident

A Canyon 4-year-old is being recognized for extraordinary bravery after helping save his younger brother during a frightening pool incident over Memorial Day weekend.

Monday morning, the Canyon Fire Department presented Hutch Hubbard with a Heroism Award after learning how he sprang into action when his 2-year-old brother, Jack, accidentally entered a swimming pool without a life vest.

According to fire officials, Hutch was already wearing his own life vest when he noticed his younger brother in the water. Without hesitation, he jumped into the pool and held Jack above the surface until an adult arrived and safely pulled both children from the water.

The Canyon Fire Department said Hutch’s quick thinking likely prevented a tragic outcome.

“Hutch Hubbard did a very brave thing. It probably prevented us from having to run on a possibly devastating call,” said Canyon Fire Department Chief Dennis Gwyn.

Gwyn emphasized that the incident occurred despite the family taking appropriate safety precautions. He noted that situations involving young children can develop rapidly, even when parents are being vigilant.

“It’s just one of those instances where in a blink of an eye something happens, but I would like to commend the family for how they were conducting everything,” Gwyn said. “Like I said this is just one of those situations where you have a two year old that’s like lightning and he fell in and luckily Hutch was there to pull him out or to keep him afloat.”

For Hutch’s parents, Danielle and Troy Hubbard, the experience underscored how quickly life can change.

“I think super thankful. You just realize how quickly things can shift and how quickly a life can be taken, and I’m super thankful for Hutch was quick thinking,” Danielle Hubbard said. “I think the Lord led him to take action and jump in after his brother.”

After learning about the incident, fire department officials said they immediately felt Hutch deserved recognition for his actions. Gwyn noted that honoring acts of courage within the community is important, especially when those actions help protect others.

As summer begins and more families spend time around pools and water recreation areas, the Canyon Fire Department is using the incident as a reminder about water safety. Gwyn encouraged parents to ensure young children wear life vests when appropriate and recommended pools be secured with locked gates.

For one Canyon family, those safety measures, combined with the courage of a 4-year-old boy, helped turn a potentially devastating situation into a story of heroism and gratitude.