Young hero honored for bravery - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Young hero honored for bravery

  • More WALB News10 HeadlinesMore News Headlines

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:41 PM EDT2013-06-20 03:41:18 GMT
    An Albany man who was born when Woodrow Wilson was president celebrated his birthday today. Century Pines Assisted Living Center threw a party for resident Charles Walker who turned 101 today. Walker was
    An Albany man who was born when Woodrow Wilson was president celebrated his birthday today.

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:34 PM EDT2013-06-20 03:34:54 GMT
    For years, the area right across the street from the RiverQuarium has been rundown, but that's changing. A couple of businesses are thriving there. The new art park is open, and a sidewalk improvement
    For years, the area right across the street from the RiverQuarium has been rundown, but that's changing.

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:20 PM EDT2013-06-20 03:20:33 GMT
    Downtown Albany leaders are looking for ways to make sure the Flint Riverquarium remains an important part of downtown for years to come.  Tonight, The Albany Dougherty Inner City Authority board began discussions
    Downtown Albany leaders are looking for ways to make sure the Flint Riverquarium remains an important part of downtown for years to come.
    •   

June 4, 2003

Blakely-  Thirteen-year-old Keion Bryant is small in size, but he's a big hero.

Last week, Keion heard his neighbor, Vera Jackson screaming for help. "I remember she was in the house screaming for my grandmother," said Bryant.

Her home was engulfed in flames, but Keion ran into the house. "She was three feet from the heater and I pulled her out."

He went back in after Vera's sister Bessie Ross, but she resisted the help. Bessie died in the fire.

Wednesday, the state fire commissioner joined a special ceremony to honor Keion. "At age 13, a fire can be so devastating, so terrifying," said John Oxendine, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner.

But Keion is no stranger to emergencies. He's been a medical risk most of his life, living with a pacemaker since he was seven and suffering from other respiratory problems.

"There's no way we can say thank you for what he did," said Delmar Johnson, Jackson's grandson. "We could say thank you everyday and it still wouldn't be enough."

"There's no greater show of love than to either lay down your life or be prepared to, to risk yourself," Oxendine said. "And that's exactly what he did."

But being a hero is not all glory. To Keion, it's a tragedy that haunts his memory. "I still think about it."

He probably always will.

Oxendine made Keion a honorary state fire marshal. The Blakely City Commission gave him a $100 savings bond.

Posted at 9:27PM by brannon.stewart@walb.com