Cory Wong, 13, given bravery award by Vancouver Police Department

Cory Wong was babysitting his nine-year-old sister last year, when an intruder broke into their Vancouver home.

The quick-thinking 12-year-old dialed 911, before hitting the intruder on the head with his phone, prompting the man to flee.

Wong, now 13, was one of the citizens honoured for their courage in assisting Vancouver police in today's Celebrating Excellence In Policing awards.

He told CBC News that he confronted the intruder "out of instinct."

Wong's father, Chuck Wong, attended the ceremony and said that the family was proud of Cory, who had acted bravely in protecting his sister.

Vancouver Police Department chief, Jim Chu, presenting the annual awards at the Roundhouse in Yaletown, said that it was one of his favourite days of the year.

Among the other recipients were seven residents of a West End apartment block who stepped in to help victims of a random attacker who was rampaging through their building armed with a knife and a hammer.

Joginder Johal was also honoured for his actions that prevented a tour bus from crashing, and Carla Soregaroli, who attempted to stop a man randomly attacking people.

Several police officers were also honoured in the awards, including two who rescued newborn twins from their confused, mentally ill mother who had given birth in a park and proceeded to try and smother them.

There was also recognition for the VPD Counter Exploitation Unit for work resulting in the first charge of people trafficking laid in B.C.