Konnor Knoefler Receives Bravery Recognition from Fire Department
The nine-year-old pulled his sister from wreckage after head-on collision on Highway 49.
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Knoefler receives a certificate of recognition from Downieville Fire Chief Robert Hall.
DOWNIEVILLE — The Downieville Volunteer Fire Department presented Konnor Knoefler with a certificate of recognition at the Downieville Courthouse. The entire Downieville School attended the ceremony to honor the local resident.
On March 31, nine-year-old Konnor was in a vehicle with his sister Chloe and their mother when a head-on collision occurred on Highway 49. The driver of the other vehicle was intoxicated and uninsured.
Konnor acted with remarkable courage in the moments after impact. He checked on his mother first, then turned his attention to his injured sister in the back seat. Konnor calmly helped remove Chloe from the vehicle and moved her to a safer location away from the still-unstable vehicle. Chloe is now recovering after undergoing surgery at UC Davis Children’s Hospital.
The Fire Department says Konnor remained level-headed amid the chaos and focused on his family’s well-being. He cooperated with emergency responders and law enforcement upon their arrival, providing clear details about the incident.
The courthouse was filled with Downieville School students and other supporters.
The certificate reads, “Downieville Volunteer Fire Department is hereby honored to recognize Konnor Knoefler for the unselfish bravery he displayed in the moments immediately following the head-on collision his family experienced. Without regard to his own well-being, Konnor’s first thought was to render aid to his injured sister and pull her from the unstable car wreck. Actions like this from such a young man are the measures of a real hero.” Downieville Fire Protection District Chair Frank Lang and senior officers Robert Hall and Steve Folsom signed the document.
A press release from the Downieville Volunteer Fire Department described Konnor as showing bravery, responsibility, and presence of mind far beyond his years. Department leaders hope he will one day return as a cadet to develop those same qualities in service to others. The release added that Konnor made a meaningful difference in the critical moment and demonstrated great character, strength, and care for family.
Konnor, his family, and Downieville Fire Department members.
A GoFundMe has been set up for donations to the family to help cover expenses related to the crash and hospitalizations, available at https://tmmlink.com/p6LXCql. As of May 4, the campaign has reached 95% of its $20,000 goal.