Sheffield 10-year-old presented Citizenship Medal of Valor for efforts to protect mother

Logan Sparkman
·1 min read

SHEFFIELD, Ala. (WHNT) — Merriam Webster defines valor as, “strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery.”

Cayson McClung displayed just that in October 2023, when authorities say he was shot in the arm and the face attempting to protect his mother during a murder-suicide committed by her boyfriend.

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Cayson was taken to Helen Keller Hospital and later transferred to UAB Children’s Hospital for treatment, where he would recover.

The Sheffield Police Department and Sheffield Fire Department honored Cayson’s bravery on Friday, presenting him with a the Citizenship Medal of Valor, a plaque with a photo of him and his mother, his very own firefighter helmet with his name on it, and a donation box.

“This young man is a true hero in the eyes of the City of Sheffield,” the police department wrote in a post on social media.

In December 2023, Cayson was also awarded the Colbert County ‘Courage in Action’ award by county leaders for his efforts.

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