Police officer receives award after his quick-thinking saves a toddler's life

Sergeant Anthony Mannino was on duty when he spotted something moving along the side of the road. At first he thought it was a dog or an animal, but on closer inspection he realised that it was actually a young boy. 

According to GoodNewsNetwork, the one-year-old ran away from his mum after they steeped out of their house, which is just two blocks from the main road.

Thankfully, Anthony was there and managed to pull over, blocking cars behind him and carrying the boy to safety. The youngster's mum arrived not long after. 

Taking to Facebook to praise the 24-year-old police officer for his quick, Naperville Police Department explained that Anthony was presented with a Life Saving Award.

Sharing the dash cam recording of the incident on their social media page, the department wrote: "Last month, this youngster escaped his mother's watchful eye, left his house and was found by Sgt. Anthony Mannino running on Route 59! Luckily, no one was hurt, and we attribute that to Sgt. Mannino's observation while on patrol and quick reaction, placing his squad car and himself between the child and traffic.

"On June 7, Sgt. Mannino was presented the department's Life Saving Award. Well done, Sergeant."

Thankfully, he was there otherwise this story could have had a very different ending.