TOLLAND, Conn. -- A class that is being credited with turning elementary students into heroes is at risk of being cut from the Tolland school budget.

Two students learned to be heroes in the school's health class.

Fourth-grader Austin Gore, 9, was at the bus stop when he said he saw flames tearing through his neighbor's home.

"I saw the flames in the window and then I knew something was very wrong," he said. "I ran inside and grabbed the phone to call 911."

Austin told the dispatcher exactly what he saw and where the burning house was.

Tolland firefighter Joseph Duval said crews got to the fire much quicker thanks to Austin's call.

The home was badly damaged, but no one was injured in the blaze.

Duval and fellow firefighter Dennis Carlson teach the town's fourth-grade students basic aid training.

The class teaches students how to react in a crisis.

Months after completing the class, Shannon Kelly faced the ultimate test when her older brother choked on a piece of candy.

"He popped a piece of candy in his mouth and he just slipped backward," Shannon said.

Carlson said the former student remembered the abdominal thrust technique perfectly.

"By the second time, I thought, 'Oh my God, it's not working,' but on that third time, it popped up and hit the window," Shannon said.

Carlson introduced the class to the district 11 years ago and the fire department, parent-teacher organization and district spilt the cost three ways.

"We were told there's a real good chance the health program will be cut," he said.

Supporters hope to remind board members of the program's life-saving reward.

"Every year somebody gets up and says something, and every year -- knock on wood -- we're still here," Carlson said.