Ticonderoga, New York - October 11, 2010
A father from Essex County, N.Y., was arrested on his wedding day. Police say his young son was left home alone while he was getting hitched.
Five-year-old Jaydon LaFountain was the center of attention at an award ceremony at the Ticonderoga Fire Department Monday night.
"I am so proud of him, I don't even think words can describe how proud I am of him," said his mother Jamie Cutting.
The young boy was honored for his bravery. He received a new bike, equipped with a helmet, a fireman's hat and two certificates. He even hung around afterward to pose for dozens of pictures.
"I think he is just trying to forget about. He said he was scared, I told him he did the right thing by calling 911 for help when nobody was around to help him," said his mother,
According to Ticonderoga police, Jaydon was at his biological father's home on Algonkin Street Saturday afternoon, playing with toys when he realized nobody was home and called 911
"He did state there was a wedding going on, I didn't know at that time his father was actually getting married," said Patrolman Mark Belden
Police believe Jaydon had been left at home by mistake as family members attended his father's wedding a few miles away. Investigators believe Jaydon was alone for about 30 minutes before calling for help. Police brought him to the station and took care of the boy until a relative and his father, David Mallette, showed up after the service to file a missing child report.
"He was under the understanding that some of his relatives were supposed to bring the child to the wedding," said Belden.
Police reunited the child with his father who then got stuck taking a wedding picture he hadn't planned on. Police charged him with child endangerment.
"He's the immediate person responsible for the child, there could be a mixup between the communication on that part, but ultimately he is responsible for the child in question," said Belden.
It turns out Jaydon just learned the importance of calling 911. He attends Moriah Elementary School. Last Thursday, the fire department visited the school.
"Really helped, I was really shocked that the little boy would listen, that means the kids are really listening to our program, to what we are doing up on stage," said Moriah firefighter Bill Trybendis.
Mallette declined comment for this story. Police say he has been very cooperative with their investigation. They said Mallette told them he understood why he was being charged, and is just relieved his son is OK.
Matt Henson - WCAX News
