Olga Aste and her daughter Amanda noticed a student who had been reported missing, and contacted the Herndon Police. Other than being wet, the student was in good spirits. Both Olga and Amanda’s actions were recognized by the Herndon Town Council. Photo courtesy of Town of Herndon
”They did a really good job of alerting the authorities. These two kids did that and I hope it sets an example. I couldn’t be more thankful,” said Herndon’s Chief of Police Maggie A. DeBoard. Three local residents were honored on Tuesday, March 8 by the Herndon Town Council. Fairfax County Fire Chief Richard Bowers and representatives from Herndon Middle School, including Herndon Middle School Principal Justine Klena, also attended the event. Roberto Morales Castillo, a student at Herndon Middle School called 911 during a January snowstorm, saving his family from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Herndon town council member Steve Mitchell welcomed Roberto Castillo and his family in Spanish. “Thank you very much for coming this evening, All the people here are so excited to see you,” said Mitchell. By calling 911, Roberto saved his family and dozens of citizens’ lives on Jan. 24. The incident involved a utility exhaust blocked by three feet of fallen snow. Due to the snow blocking the exhaust, levels of carbon monoxide entered the apartment building. Roberto realized an unknown hazard was causing his family to become sick. He notified building management and called 911, and initiated care for his six family members until arrival of the fire department.
All seven members of the Morales Castillo family were taken to the local hospital, where they recovered from carbon monoxide poisoning. Mayor Merkel and the town council praised Roberto. “You really are a hero,” said Merkel, who called for a round of applause. Fire chief Bowers and assistant chief Johnson presented Roberto a Citizen Life Saving Award and the Herndon Town Mayor and Council presented a Certificate of Responsible Citizenship. Carbon monoxide has been described as a silent killer, which cannot be seen, tasted or heard.
Also recognized on Tuesday evening were Olga Aste and her daughter Amanda. On Jan. 8, they were driving along Wiehle Avenue near Fairfax County Parkway, when Amanda recognized a fellow student walking on the side of the street. She mentioned to her mother the student should not be in that area alone. Olga turned her car around, and while Amanda was speaking to the student, she contacted Herndon High School and the Herndon Police Department. The Herndon Police advised her the student had been reported missing and a lookout had been broadcast by the police. The Herndon Police notified the distraught parent that her daughter had been found. “I thank Amanda and her mom for intervening that day,” said Herndon’s Chief of Police DeBoard.
Mayor Merkel recognized Principal Justine Klena’s recent achievement of being named Fairfax County Public Schools 2016 Outstanding Principal, and a finalist for the Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award.