Pompano Beach, Florida Resident Honored with VITA™ Wireless Samaritan Award

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Jul 24, 2012, 12:09 ET

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After using her cellphone to notify 911 that burglars were at her house, 13-year-old Alexis Stannis of Pompano Beach, Florida remained calm and protected her 10-year-old brother until the police arrived. In recognition of her brave actions, Stannis was honored with a VITA™ Wireless Samaritan Award from The Wireless Foundation and CTIA-The Wireless Association® at the 18th Annual Achievement Awards dinner July 23.

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Home with only her 10-year-old brother, Stannis chose to ignore the unexpected knock on her front door. When she heard someone trying to break in through a window, she grabbed her brother and a cellphone, locked her bedroom door, hid in the closet and called 911. When the police arrived at the house, three teens, including one armed with a knife, were arrested and linked to another burglary in the neighborhood.

"In a terrifying situation, Alexis' quick thinking and calm reaction helped keep her and her brother safe and resulted in the arrest of three criminals. Alexis is well-deserving of the VITA Wireless Samaritan Award," said Steve Largent, President of The Wireless Foundation and President and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association.

The Wireless Foundation and CTIA-The Wireless Association selected Alexis and eight other VITA Wireless Samaritan Award recipients from across the nation for their use of wireless technology to save lives, stop crime and help in other emergency situations. VITA Wireless Samaritan Awards are presented annually to recipients who put safety first and use wireless to help others in need. With more than 400,000 wireless phone calls made to 911 every day, the awards also reinforce the crucial role wireless technology plays in emergencies.

CTIA-The Wireless Foundation (www.wirelessfoundation.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to developing and supporting initiatives that use wireless technology to help American communities. The Foundation's innovative programs benefit consumers in areas such as education, healthcare, safety and the environment. As part of its Annual Achievement Awards, the Foundation recognizes VITA™ Wireless Samaritans and honors the best of our nation's leadership, its youth and its scholars. The Foundation was formed by CTIA-The Wireless Association® member companies in 1991.

SOURCE CTIA-The Wireless Foundation