A six year old Cary girl is being hailed as a hero, and even got a medal from the chief of police Thursday night for her actions.

Grace Downen got a standing ovation as she accepted the first ever "I Knew What To Do" award.

Grace called 911 last month when her mother, Jennifer, suddenly became ill, had difficulty breathing and her limbs started to go numb.

"At one point she actually told [Emergency Communications Officer] Rick Thomas, 'You need to hurry up and get an ambulance here. My momma's going to pass out,'" said Cary Police Chief Pat Bazemore.

Because of Grace's quick thinking, EMS crews were at her home in less than six minutes.

It's the type of thing police say is impressive for someone that age, and her mother agreed.

"As her mom, I knew she was special from the moment she was born," said Jennifer Downen. "But now everyone else knows how special she is, how mature of a young lady she is, even at six."

The "I Knew What To Do" award was created last year to recognize children under 13 who call 911 in emergency circumstances.

"Knowing how to recognize an emergency and knowing how to call 911 to get help is not as easy as a lot of people think," said Bazemore. "Emotions are very high, and it can be extremely difficult to remain calm and provide information."