BOY, 8, COMMENDED FOR AIDING NEIGHBOR.

Byline: Robert Monroe Daily News Staff Writer

Cub Scout Pack 314 honored one of its own with help from the Los Angeles Fire Department on Thursday, when 8-year-old Dexter Trestrail received two awards for getting lifesaving help to an elderly neighbor.

On May 8, the Tujunga resident heard the cries of his 85-year-old neighbor, Frank Pheln, coming from inside his house. Dexter and his mother, Christina, ran into the house to find Pheln on a bathroom floor in a pool of blood. He had been there since falling the night before.

Dexter stayed with Pheln, directing his mother to call for help.

``I said to Frank, I love you and I'll take care of you too,'' Dexter recalled.

The award ceremony took place at St. James the Less Catholic School.

``We commend this young man for his willingness to come forward. Self-motivation and discipline are important for any young person,'' said Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey.

Christina Trestrail, 34, said Dexter looks upon Pheln as a grandfather. A week before Pheln's fall, Dexter made a standing offer to Pheln to take out his trash after he noticed the man having trouble doing it himself.

Dexter's mom said her son kept his head while she panicked upon discovering the injured neighbor. She said she and her husband, Brian, have taught their son to look out for the elderly.

``You never know when you yourself might need help one day,'' she said.

Pheln is recovering at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills.

Dexter's actions might qualify him for a national merit award, said Cub Scout Den Leader Andrea Meyerhofer.