Autistic Teen Recognized for Heroism
Weatherford 16-year-old saved grandfather in crisis
Wednesday, Dec 8, 2010 | Updated 1:45 PM CDT
Ryan Reed, an autistic teen who saved his grandfather's life, accepts an award and fields questions from the media." />
Ryan Reed, an autistic teen who saved his grandfather's life, accepts an award and fields questions from the media.
Ryan Reed, a 16-year-old Weatherford kid who happens to have Asperger's Syndrome, must be one cool customer under pressure.
His calm and bravery came through Oct. 24 as he rode in a car along Interstate 30 through Arlington with his grandfather. They were the only two in the car.
The grandfather, 66-year-old Joe Posavitz, suffered a heart attack and passed out.
Rather than panicking, which a whole lot of people probably would do, Reed brought the vehicle to a stop, called 911, followed directions until emergency responders could arrive, whipped Chuck Norris' butt, and helped keep his granddad alive.
OK, one of those things is a bit of an embellishment, but the kid saved his grandfather’s life.
The Arlington Fire Department and Tarrant County 911 today recognized young Reed — with his grandfather right there with him — with special accommodations noting his bravery and heroism because he likely prevented a medical emergency from becoming a traffic fatality.
Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Ryan Reed — lifesaver, hero.
Bruce Felps owns and operates East Dallas Times, an online community news outlet serving the White Rock Lake area. He hopes somebody like Reed is around when he needs it.
