CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Winnsboro Boy Receives Medal for Saving His Mom's Life

Winnsboro Boy Receives Medal for Saving His Mom's Life

By Hayley Wielgus

For Jesse Kull, it was the ultimate call of duty.  And for the Royal Rangers, it is one of the highest merits awarded.

"I'm very lucky to be his mother and see this award being given to him," said Linda Kull, Jesse's mom. "He's done a lot of good things in life, but this is the best thing he could ever do."

The Royal Rangers organization is similar to Boy Scouts.  It's an international mentorship program for boys and it's centered on Christian principles.

An East Texas post is honoring one of its members for upholding the standards of faithfulness courage. 

Because of Jesse, his mother is here today.

"He's my son but it felt like he was my angel too and my savior," Linda said. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him."

In March, Jesse found his mother unconscious and bleeding after she had fallen on the bathroom floor.

"I called my grandma first, then my dad, then the police," Jesse said.  "They told me to do CPR and I did each twice."

To save his mom, Jesse used the emergency preparedness skills he learned during his eight years as a Royal Ranger.

"In talking to the paramedics, they said Jesse was completely calm," Outpost Commander Kenneth Johnson said. "He followed directions explicitly, he didn't waiver, he didn't question, he didn't panic, he stayed calm, cool and collected."

Johnson has seen Jesse mature from a four-year-old boy to a courageous young man.

"I think it's amazing," Johnson said. "How many kids at 12 years old can say, 'I saved my mom's life'," he said.

"I love him and he knows I love him," Linda said. "I'll always be there for him."

Just like she said he was for her in her greatest time of need.

"Just grateful she is alive," Jesse said. "Glad I was able to do it."