After being rushed to surgery following the discovery of a life-threatening brain tumor, a local elementary student was honored by San Juan Capistrano city officials this month for his bravery, including an honorary role in the city’s upcoming Swallow’s Day Parade.

Edward Reising, 9, was transported by helicopter to Children’s Hospital of Orange County last August where the tumor was removed, according to San Juan Capistrano Mayor Howard Hart.

City officials honored him with an award for his “courage and resilience” during a March 7 council meeting.

“Mr. Reising has shown extraordinary courage in the face of daunting physical peril,” Hart said during the meeting. “Reising displays a positive can-do attitude towards life that many with far fewer challenges before them can learn from.”

Reising will now ride in a fire truck with members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Fire Authority in this year’s parade—the 63rd annual—March 25.

Jim Taylor, president of the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association, which organizes the event, also presented Reising with a vest, badge, and honorary association membership during the meeting.

San Juan Capistrano Police Chief Justin Montano was also in attendance, and described Reising as “strong, courageous, and tough.”

He also offered the child an open invitation to visit the police station any time he wants—to visit the police dogs and see police vehicles—and presented Reising with a child-sized deputy hat.

“We’re so proud of what you’ve gone through,” he told Reising.