Let’s face it, our current era isn’t like the good ol’ days. Many Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Xennials, and a handful of Millennials recall a time when things seemed like a real-life episode of the Andy Giffith show in small towns. Back when manners weren’t a choice, families dressed up to go to town, and being neighborly was more than merely knowing the name of who lived next door. But today’s generation, let’s just say that there are many upcoming young men and women around the country who could care less about old-school morals, values, and ethics that once were. But now and then, you’ll find an Andy Taylor pop-up amongst all of the social media zombies in the modern-day teenage wasteland. In fact, a local young man gave his community a glimpse of hope in today’s generation. That young man wasn’t from the fictional town of Mayberry though, he was from Mansfield, Arkansas.

Zander Walters has made his name synonymous on the gridiron over the past few years as an All-Conference and All-State defensive linebacker and offensive tackle for the Mansfield Tigers. From the offseason weight room and the summer practices to game day itself, his grit and determination to be the best at everything he does has made him a “dude” that many opponents would rather not face. In the classroom, Walters is a teacher’s dream. His respectfulness, hard work, and studious mindset have Walters on the principal’s list or the honor roll every semester. Zander’s positive qualities don’t stop when he leaves the campus though. Walters is the first to help if he sees someone in need and brings a smile with him wherever he goes. Raised by his grandparents, Paul and Kathy Walters, Zander has the personality to fit in with multi-generational crowds. While teenagers like Zander are relatively difficult to find, there are plenty out there if you look for them. So, what sets Zander Walters apart from some of the others that are solid young men and women? Well, simply put, Zander Walters is a hero.

On the evening of December 14th, 2024, Zander was at his house playing with his dog, Dakota, when he noticed his dog focusing on something outside the yard. When he looked to the east in the same direction as his dog, he noticed that his neighbor’s house was engulfed in flames. This is where a lot of folks would call 911 and merely watch in shock while waiting for someone else to help. Zander Walters did call 911, but he did it on the run. His reaction was without the “re” and all about the action. “I had no reaction or fear in my mind. I just knew when I saw the fire that I needed to help whoever might be in the house”. It was a good 60 yards plus between the Walters’ home and their neighbors with barriers of brush, ditches, trees, and fences in between. But as Walters has proven on the football field, there is no one and nothing that can stop him when he gets his tree trunk legs going as he mowed his way to the fire. Once at the fiery residence of his neighbor, Zander and Mansfield Assistant Fire Chief Albert Haysmer, who was first on the scene, began scouring the blazing inferno for signs of life. Thankfully, the brave duo found Mansfield resident, Sissie Rupe Payne, and moved her to safety as the structure of the house began to collapse. Payne suffered significant burns from the fire, but the quick thinking and fearlessness of Haysmer and Walters prevented worse injuries or even death.

While Haysmer has saved numerous lives and seen some of the most tragic fires, that’s what he signed up for. Haysmer definitely deserves recognition for all he and the volunteers of the Mansfield Fire Department did on that fateful night. For that matter, on every call that they rush to, they volunteer to be lifesaving heroes daily. But the selflessness and fearlessness of a seventeen-year-old young man to rush straight towards hundred-foot flames to help save a life also deserves the recognition of a hero and that is just what the City of Mansfield did for Zander Walters. The city leaders and Walters’ grandparents devised a master plan to secretly surprise Zander on Thursday, January 23, at a Mansfield City Hall meeting. “I was told we had to go and sign some papers, so I thought nothing of it”. Once there though, Walters saw family and friends in attendance along with Mansfield Mayor, Buddy Black and the City Council. After opening prayer and pledge of allegiance, Zander was called to the front where Mayor Black awarded him with a Life Saving plaque. While surprised at the events that had unfolded before him, a humble Zander Walters said “I was surprised that they did this. It’s all good, but I didn’t help for a reward, I helped because it’s what we’re supposed to do”. Although Walters may not think he’s a hero, to Sissie Rupe Payne, he’ll forever have an iconic Superman S on his chest. “I pray for Zander every day”, said Payne. “He didn’t hesitate to carry me across the yard after I got out of the house. I am eternally grateful for Zander and all of the Walters family”.

Mayberry is of course a fictional town on television and many of the life lessons from the Andy Griffith Show seem to be turning into fiction too these days. But while many of us older folks look at the current generation of young men and women with judgment, just remember that we were once young rebels like them. That’s right, the Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Xennials, and Millennials had our quirks that the previous generations thought were un-Mayberry-ish. In every generation, just like this one, there are plenty of Zanders among us that slowly but surely put hope back in the future of mankind and back into our small towns.
Matthew 5:7-9 “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God”.