10-year-old Elgin boy helps rescue tot from Fox River

The next time Peter Hamm picks a fishing spot, you'd better listen up.

Over the weekend, the 10-year-old Elgin boy scoped out a special spot on Walton Island during Elgin's annual youth fishing derby.

Peter, who went there with his mother, Laura, and his twin brother failed to land the biggest fish -- but he helped pull a 3-year-old boy from the waters of the Fox River.

The tot accidentally slipped into the water while his father was untangling a fishing line.

Peter said he grabbed one of the tot's legs and the father secured the child's waist.

"My first thoughts were, 'Go get that kid, or he's gonna die.' I didn't want that to happen," said Peter, who will be a fifth-grader in the fall.

Peter said he was thanked by the boy's father, who declared immediately they were done fishing for the year.

Others at the derby praised Peter for his deed and presented him with a canteen, cooler and fishing pole.

The fishing derby is an annual event sponsored by the city of Elgin's parks and recreation department.

Sue Olafson, Elgin spokeswoman, said the parents of the 3-year-old have asked not to be identified.

"Peter acted quickly and thoughtfully to help ensure another child was not hurt," Olafson said. "Everyone appreciates his efforts."

Since the event, the phone at the Hamms' east-side home has been ringing a lot and causing a commotion for his twin, Jacob, and sister Rebecca.

"Any of us would have done it," said Rebecca, 15. "(Jacob) is proud of him, too."