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Boy, 10, becomes honorary firefighter after saving stepfather

An off-duty firefighter at the scene evaluated the man after his stepson pulled him out of a pool

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Jonathan Snipes Jr. with his stepfather and Barrow County EMS.

Photo/Barrow County EMS

By EMS1 Staff

BARROW COUNTY, Ga. — A 10-year-old boy was honored this week after saving the life of his stepfather.

Jonathan Snipes Jr. saw his stepfather lying on the bottom of the pool, jumped in and pulled him out last month. Authorities said the stepfather, Jason Dills, dove into the pool, hit his chin on the bottom and “immediately lost all movement in his body.”

After Jonathan pulled him to the surface, Dills’ wife and friend helped pull him out of the pool. Officials told AJC Dills was “conscious and alert but had no feeling from the chest down.” A firefighter who was at the weekend gathering did an initial assessment of Dills before EMS arrived.

Jonathan received a certificate from the department recognizing his efforts.

“On that Saturday in August, Jonathan was the definition of a true hero and saved his stepfather’s life,” Barrow County Fire Chief John Skinner said. “It is an honor to name him as an honorary firefighter for his actions that day. He is a humble young boy that does not want to be recognized, but is very deserving.”