A Loudon County teen is being hailed as a hero after saving a life earlier this month.

Thirteen-year-old Bryson Watkins learned a young man was in need of assistance. Bryson ran to an off-duty deputy’s home nearby for help. Together they were able to mobilize a response by law enforcement to help the young man in need.

Sheriff Tim Guider said Bryson’s actions led to the saving of a life.

Bryson, the son of Michael and Kelli Watkins, was honored yesterday with the Sheriff’s Citizen Life-Saving Award.

“While we choose to keep the details to a minimum to respect the privacy of all involved, we think it’s more than appropriate to recognize the quick thinking and swift decision to act by Bryson, actions that we feel ultimately saved another young man’s life,” Guider said.

Guider said the award is seldom presented – and is reserved strictly for those who go above and beyond as citizens of Loudon County to save the life of another human being.

Michael Watkins, Bryson’s dad, is a lieutenant with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office and oversees the department’s training and K-9 divisions.

A message on the Sheriff’s Department’s Facebook page reads in part, “Bryson – from all of us at LCSO, we are proud of you, your level head and your quick thinking that reflects the greatest gifts we can bestow on another person – to love our neighbors and to make a positive impact in someone’s life. And to do this at 13? Well, we can’t wait to see what else you’re going to do that will make our community a better place!”