The Kannapolis Police Department recently presented eight-year-old Kailagh Payne with a letter of commendation for her bravery after Kailagh saved her mother’s life by dialing 911.

Kailagh was home alone with her mother, when her mother suffered an undisclosed medical emergency, according to a post from Kannapolis on the city’s website. Kailagh understood that her mother was in danger and quickly dialed 911. She was able to communicate her mother’s condition and the address to their family home. 

“Kailagh was exceptionally brave and responded calmly in this situation — something that many adults are not able to do. She had learned how to dial 911, knew her address and other important information that helped us treat her mother on scene. We are very proud of her,” said Noah Norfleet, who responded to the home that day.

Cabarrus EMS, Kannapolis Fire and Kannapolis Police officers arrived and transported Kailagh’s mother to the hospital. Kailagh remained calm and helped police officers find information in the home about family members who were out of town, according to the post. 

“This is a good reminder for all of us — please take time to teach your children how to dial 911 and most importantly when you should dial it; their address, phone number and how to find information about their grandparents or other close relatives,” the city’s post stated.