A Meritorious Public Service Award was presented Thursday morning to a first-grader at Foundation Academy in Mansfield.

Police Chief Dino Sgambellone attended an assembly to give the certificate to 6-year-old Sidiki Sissoko, after he and two friends found a loaded gun partially wrapped in newspaper in an alley on McPherson Street last August.

Sgambellone says the boys did not touch the gun, but instead notified an adult who's part of the police department's COPS or Citizens On Patrol group.  He called police, who came out and retrieved.

The chief says the boys did the right thing and prevented a possible tragedy, and he hopes their action inspires other youngsters to think about doing the right thing.

Sissoko is a young man of few words, but was he says speaks volumes about his law-abiding character.  "I don't like nobody shooting guns in this town".

The other two boys who found the gun will receive their awards Friday morning at Sherman Elementary School.

Thursday's award presentation was part of an assembly to recognize Foundation Academy students for making the Honor Roll, Merit Roll, and having good grades and attendance during the most recent grading period. 

The charter school has 375 students in kindergarten through ninth grades.