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8-year-old hailed as a hero after mom loses conciousness at wheel

emergency lightsemergency lightsemergency lightsGALENA (AP) — An 8-year-old Kansas girl is being hailed for her quick thinking after she took control of the family’s SUV when her mom fell unconscious at the wheel during their highway ride to school.

Abby Porter and her mom, Shelly, were on Kanas 66 headed to school in Riverton early Wednesday when Shelly had a medical emergency and passed out.

Galena Police Officer Jimmy Hamilton noticed the SUV weaving along at about 20 mph and saw Abby at the wheel alongside her unconscious mom. Hamilton positioned his car in front of the SUV, and Abby steered into the patrol car until they both stopped.

The police department in Galena, about 150 miles south of Kansas City, is presenting Abby with a plaque for “outstanding bravery in a life-threatening situation.”

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