The North Platte Telegraph
North Platte 6-year-old Tustin Mains is largely oblivious of the international storm of praise brewing all around him after his story of taking over the steering wheel from his unconscious father went across the world on Friday.
Mains is credited with helping to save his father's life after Phillip Mains passed out due to a diabetic episode and young Tustin commandeered the steering wheel of his dad's Chevy Avalanche, driving it from near the Platte River Mall all the way past Cody Park.
The response from the nation and from abroad has overwhelmed Tustin's family, but much like Tustin's first encounter with The Telegraph, he has more interest in new toy cars than the world's adoration.
"I think he's pretty excited about the attention, but I'm not sure he understands why," said Phillip.
NBC's The Today Show, as well as Inside Edition, has already contacted the Mains family.
"The Today Show talked to me for about 20 minutes and they are trying to figure out what they want to do right now and I have a message that Inside Edition called," said Phillip. "We're all in shock right now, but we're a little concerned about Tustin getting too overwhelmed."
Tustin's heroics, combined with the heroics of North Platte Police Officer Roger Freeze averted what could have been a tragic trip home from supper on Sunday evening, May 17. Responses from around the world have been flooding The Telegraph's Web site with local residents mixing their cheers in with responses from as far away as Italy.
"Tustin Main, you are so brave! Good Job! This news is brilliant and gave my day new hopes and no fears," writes Michael Mar Tabudlo, from Italy. "Thank you Tustin for being a wonderful, brave, loving kid. Keep up the good work and God Bless you and your family."
And it is about family looking out for family for the Mains. Phillip suffers from diabetes, Tustin's 3-year-old brother has epilepsy and mom also suffers from health problems, Phillip pointed out.
"We all look out for one another," he said. "Tustin's been taught what to do if something happens to his brother or if something happens to his mom. Ironically, we've never talked about what to do if something happened to me though. So, it was still pretty shocking when he climbed up there and grabbed the wheel."
Most of the responses to Tustin's story use the word "hero" in a justifiable context. The bottom line for most people is that Tustin's story provides hope in a time when America is need of good news.
"Way to go Tustin! You did a great job," writes Lane Nichols, from Arkansas. "I know your parents are very proud of you right now. You saved your dad and your little brother. You are hero, young man! All around the world right now, people are reading about what you did and I know that we are all proud of you, too. Hooray for Tustin!"
The brave deeds of Freeze who chased down the truck on foot bringing the dramatic ride of a 6-year-old boy to a safe conclusion have not gone unnoticed either.
Steven Collett writes, "What a brave young man and police officer. They were certainly guided by angels."
Tustin may not yet realize the impact his actions have had on others, but perhaps Mary Waterson's story from Illinois will sum it up for North Platte's youngest hero.
"Way to go, Tustin," she writes. "When I read your story to my sons this morning, they were high-fiving each other and yelling yay! You did a good job and took good care of your dad and brother. You should be very proud of yourself. I know your parents are proud and I don't even know you and I'm proud of you."
