EAST WINDSOR, Conn.  — A Connecticut police department is lauding a 7-year-old girl and her mother after they alerted first responders to a child that was left inside a hot car.

East Windsor police said Tuesday that the girl noticed the 16-month-old sitting alone in a vehicle parked near theirs Monday and told her mother. The mother called 911 and first responders were able to get the child out.

Police say the toddler was distressed and sweating, but appeared to be unharmed. The child's mother and uncle are facing charges including reckless endangerment. They told officers they forgot the toddler was in the van.

Police gave the girl and mother commemorative coins that honor citizens who contribute to public safety.