Bossier Teenager to Receive Hero Award for Saving Grandfather’s Life

A local teenager gets a big honor today.  Airline High School senior Cameron Mattison will receive the Bossier Sheriff's Hero Award.
Back in October, the 18-year-old was preparing for an upcoming fishing tournament with his father and grandfather.  While they were scouting out different areas to fish, the weather changed suddenly, with dipping temperatures and windy conditions.

All three had their life jackets on, along with rain gear and layers of insulated clothing.  At one point, the outboard motor malfunctioned and the boat went into a spin.  Cameron's grandfather was thrown from the boat head-first into the cold water.

Initially, the man wasn't spotted, but he was eventually located some 30 yards away fro mthe boat.  His life jacket had been ripped off of his right side and was barely on his left shoulder.  He was gasping for breath and the weight of his soaked clothes was pulling him down.

Cameron saw that his grandfather needed immediate help and dove into the water, fully clothed, and swam to the man.  He was able to get his grandfather's head upright and swim to the boat.

For his heroic and selfless action, Sheriff Julian Whitting will present Cameron his award at 3:45 this afternoon in the Sheriff's Office conference room.  That's located on the first floor of the Bossier Parish Courthouse.