McKinney, Texas -- The McKinney Fire Department is honoring now 13-year-old Xavier Powell Tyson who kept his cool and called 9-1-1 when his mother suffered severe strokes. The first stroke was in April of 2015. The second stroke was in April of this year.

The McKinney Fire Department was moved to honor Xavier after reading a letter he wrote about the paramedics who helped him.

 Here is a condensed version of that letter:

“My hero was a medic… They were trying to calm me down and tell me my mom was going to be okay… While I was waiting for my family members to pick me up at the hospital, the medics were giving me food and trying to comfort me… One thing I learned from the medic was to stay calm and to think positive in these types of situations. I really wish I could have gave the medics something for my appreciation for them saving my mom’s life.” 

A surprise event honoring the teen was held Friday, June 25 at Fire Station 9, 4900 Summit View Dr., McKinney.

Baylor Scott & White doctors were on hand to discuss this medical success story. After the second stroke, the mother was transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney where she was treated. Her symptoms were severe and she needed to be transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano, a Comprehensive Stroke Center. While in Plano, she underwent a successful Mechanical Thrombectomy procedure to restore blood flow to her brain.