In a heartwarming turn of events, a Florida sheriff's deputy recently made a heroic rescue of a missing 5-year-old autistic boy in Deltona, near Daytona Beach on Florida's Atlantic Coast. The incident unfolded when deputies responded to a call about a missing child who had escaped through a second-story door, triggering an alarm.
Upon arriving at the scene, Deputy Wes Brough and his team sprang into action, with Brough's quick instincts leading him to a nearby pond where the child was believed to be attracted to water. Thanks to his training, including Autism Awareness Training, Brough was well-prepared for the situation.
At around 7:48 p.m., Brough heard the boy's cries and spotted him clinging to a log in the water. Without hesitation, Brough ran through the woods, shed his bulletproof vest, and waded into the pond to rescue the child. The boy tightly wrapped his arms around Brough's neck as they made their way back to safety.
Reflecting on the rescue, Brough expressed gratitude for being in the right place at the right time and credited divine intervention for the successful outcome. The family's security measures, including the alarm on the door, played a crucial role in alerting them to the child's escape.
The heartwarming moment was captured by Brough's body camera, showing the emotional bond between the deputy and the rescued child. Brough, a father himself, felt a deep connection to the boy, likening the experience to having his own child in his arms.
The community and law enforcement officials lauded Deputy Brough for his bravery and quick actions that saved the young boy's life. The incident serves as a reminder of the dedication and compassion exhibited by first responders in protecting and serving their communities.