Autistic Teen Recognized for Heroism

Weatherford 16-year-old saved grandfather in crisis

Commentary
by Bruce Felps

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.
 

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