Imagine you’re a preteen getting ready for some fun in the swimming pool, when suddenly your buddy complains of feeling ill – then quickly shows signs that the problem is getting worse.

Scary stuff, indeed, and what Annisha Carter, 11, and Danielle McKay, 10 faced during day camp at the Costick Center on June 8. But rather than downplay the concerns or ignore their friend, 13-year-old Grace Thomas, the two youngsters knew just what to do. They made sure Grace got help and stayed by her side until paramedics could take care of her.

Fortunately, Grace, 13, was whisked off in an ambulance, got the treatment she needed and was back at the Costick Center the next day. But Annisha’s and Danielle’s actions were certainly worth noting – and officially recognizing, said Farmington Hills Fire Chief Jon Unruh.

“You guys did something we typically don’t see out of adults,” Unruh said Tuesday afternoon, in presenting civilian citations to Annisha and Danielle at Farmington Hills’ main fire station.

“We’re thankful to bring attention to what they did – the least we can do is honor them with a civilian citation,” he said. “It sends the message that everyone should be helpful.”

The Farmington Hills department typically gives out fewer than 20 such citations per year, Unruh said, and this is the first time he’s had the pleasure of presenting them to kids.

“I feel very excited – and a little nervous,” Annisha said about the honor. Danielle agreed.

“I’m a bit nervous...really nervous,” she said.

Danielle’s mom, Aletha McKay, said she was quite pleased with the kudos her daughter and Annisha received.

“I think it’s very special...but I knew (Danielle) would help. She helps Grace occasionally get dressed and get into the pool, so it didn’t surprise me. She’s always concerned about how Grace is doing – she talks about her all the time,” she said.

Todd Lipa, director of youth and family services for the City of Farmington Hills, recalled how Grace was going through a seizure that day – and the medical emergency could have had a poor outcome “without (Annisha and Danielle) stepping up.”

The two even kept Grace calm by playing video on a cell phone during the short time it took for emergency personnel to arrive. “They didn’t leave her side, which was great,” said Kitty Ostach, the city’s youth program coordinator. “They stayed with her so she wouldn’t be alone.”

Youth and Family Services staffers Sherry Orrell and Ruth Williams also were on hand to make sure everything went smoothly, Lipa said.

Fire Chief Jon Unruh reads from a civilian citation to Danielle McKay, Grace Thomas and Annisha Carter.