Pint-Sized Hero

This time of year most 4-year-olds are fantisizing about what Santa might bring, but not so for Tristen Gilmore. While the new 4-wheeler he got today was a thrill, it doesn`t compare to the thrill of why he got it - saving his parents` lives. On October 18th a twister ripped through Saline county, pinning a huge tree against his father`s head and collapsing the family`s porch around his mother. Tristen ran to his uncle`s house for help, which brought rescue crews out to a devastated and isolated home that might have otherwise been overlooked. Today Saline County Sheriff Phil Mask named Tristen a distinguished citizen for his amazing feat and gave him a pint-sized 4-wheeler. The family says their reward is just being able to be together. As furthur reward for Tristen`s heroism and because the Gilmore`s have suffered through so much, the sheriff`s department is adopting the family for Christmas. Tisten`s parents are both on the mend, but hospitalized and still wheelchair bound. Dad suffered severe nerve damage and can`t walk. Mom`s pelvis was broken in two places by the porch collapse. Doctors still haven`t been able to tell them when they might be released. Tristen`s 2-year-old sister went into shock during the tornado but has been just fine since spending 3 days at Arkansas Children`s Hospital.