PHOTO PROVIDED Layla Melodie, a 16-year-old Jersey Shore High School student, was honored by the Clinton County Commissioners and other officials on Thursday for her selflessness and heroism when she provided lifesaving CPR for her grandfather on April 1.

LOCK HAVEN — When many visualize a hero, they might picture iconic comic book characters and action stars. Others may picture our local firefighters, EMTs, veterans and service members. Another person can fit into that hero category as well: Layla Melodie, a 16-year-old Jersey Shore High School student whose actions helped save her grandfather’s life on April 1.

During its voting session this week, the Clinton County Board of Commissioners honored Layla’s heroic actions.

According to information shared at the meeting, on April 1, Layla’s grandfather, Kenneth Leitch, suffered cardiac arrest. Layla, who aspires to have a career as a trauma nurse in an emergency room, was quick to act to help him.

“In the moment of a true emergency, Layla acted swiftly and decisively when her grandfather, the assistant chief of the Avis Volunteer Fire Company, suffered cardiac arrest,” Commissioner Angela Harding read. “Without hesitation, Layla administered life saving cardio resuscitation, demonstrating remarkable skill, courage and presence of mind under extreme pressure.”

It was noted by Harding and Department of Emergency Service’s Quality Assurance Supervisor, Lori Rhoads, that these life saving measures, and Layla’s quick and selfless action saved her grandfather’s life.

Rhoads noted Leitch is just three months shy of being a 50-year member of the Avis fire company.

“Almost 50 years of serving his community. And, on April 1, Ken needed life saving measures,” she said. “Ken’s first hero was his 16-year-old granddaughter who performed effective CPR on him until the other heroes — his brothers and sisters in service from Avis Volunteer Fire Co. and Jersey Shore EMS — arrived on the scene.”

Rhoads noted many of those individuals were in attendance at Monday’s meeting to show their support to Layla.

“If not for the selfless actions of Layla, this could have been a tragic outcome,” she said. Rhoads further encouraged everyone to take a CPR class.

“CPR saves lives. Please remember all heroes do not wear capes,” she said.

Along with the proclamation from the commissioners, the department of emergency services also presented Layla with a CPR Save pin.

“Wear it proudly,” Rhoads said.

Layla, visibly emotional from the strong show of support, was joined by her grandmother, Ken’s wife, who spoke as well.

“If it would not have been for Layla and others, my husband would not be here today,” she said, adding he is currently at a rehabilitation facility and doing well.

“We are so grateful to Layla and all of his brothers from the fire company,” she continued. “If it wouldn’t be for them he would not be here today.”

Layla received a standing ovation from the board and all those in attendance, with Harding at one point reading from the proclamation that stated Layla is “a true hero within our community.”