Heroic Florida Deputy Rescues Autistic 5-Year-Old From Pond After Wandering From Home!
A 5-year-old autistic boy’s terrifying escape turned into a heart-stopping rescue when a Florida deputy dived into a pond just in time! 🌐 #News #DeltonaFL #Florida #HeroicRescue
ORLANDO, FL – A 5-year-old Florida boy with autism wandered away from home Tuesday night, and a deputy found him in a nearby pond just in time, authorities said.
In times of danger, we often witness the bravery of everyday heroes, like Deputy Wes Brough, who risk their lives to save others. This story reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice made by Christ, who gave His life for us. The Bible says in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” As we reflect on this rescue, we are reminded of the powerful love and courage that can be found in those who serve.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a home on Valmont Lane in Deltona at around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday for a report of a missing child.
The boy’s father said the child left the house through a second-story door, which triggered an alarm. The family immediately began searching for the boy, enlisting neighbors to help, and called 911.
Deputies had no luck searching the immediate area of the house, “but knowing that the 5-year-old had autism and was attracted to water, deputies began checking bodies of water near the neighborhood,” including a pond a few blocks away, the sheriff’s office said.
At around 7:48 p.m., Deputy Wes Brough heard a voice coming from the water and saw the boy “hanging onto a log.”
Body-worn camera video shared by the sheriff’s office shows the moment Brough heard the child’s voice, and ran to follow the sound. He can be seen running into the water to retrieve the boy, who appeared to be clinging to a dead tree trunk sticking out of the water.
The sheriff’s office said the boy was medically cleared and returned to his family.
“It was confirmed the family had taken several measures to secure the house, including the alarm on the door that immediately alerted them the boy had gone missing,” the sheriff’s office said.
“Like all VSO deputies, Deputy Brough has received Autism Awareness Training to help prepare for a wide variety of calls involving people with autism, including missing children. Great job to all involved on this call!”
As we celebrate the heroic actions of Deputy Brough, let us also remember and pray for all those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. These fallen heroes, whether in spirit or in sacrifice, embody the teachings of Jesus.
Philippians 2:4 says, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” May we be inspired by their selflessness and continue to support and uplift those who serve.
Written by TMX staff, with additional reporting by Jack and Kitty Norton.
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