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Florida Deputy Saves Missing 5-Year-Old Child From Pond

August 8, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Deltona, Florida.

A 5-year-old boy was safely rescued from a pond in Florida thanks to the quick thinking and brave actions of deputies with the Volusia Sheriff's Office.

Volusia Sheriff's Office

The incident unfolded on a Tuesday evening when the young boy, who has autism, managed to escape his home on Valmont Lane by slipping out through a second-story door, triggering an alarm. His father immediately realized the boy was missing and, along with neighbors, began a frantic search for the child. By 7:30 p.m., they had called 911 for help.

Deputies arrived on the scene and meticulously searched the home and surrounding area, but the boy was nowhere to be found. Knowing the child's attraction to water, they began to search nearby bodies of water—a critical decision that ultimately led to the boy's rescue.

Deputy Brough and other deputies focused their search on a pond just a few blocks away behind Toluca Court. At approximately 7:48 p.m., Deputy Brough heard a faint voice and then spotted the boy clinging to a log in the water.

Without hesitation, Deputy Brough sprang into action, diving into the pond to reach the child. He carried the boy to safety, where he was immediately evaluated by medical personnel and then reunited with his relieved family.

The Volusia Sheriff's Office later confirmed that the family had taken several precautions to secure their home, including installing an alarm system that alerted them as soon as the child left the house.

Deputy Brough, like all deputies at the Volusia Sheriff's Office, had undergone Autism Awareness Training, equipping him with the knowledge and skills to handle such situations with sensitivity and effectiveness. His quick response, along with the coordinated efforts of the entire team, undoubtedly saved the boy's life.

Watch the police bodycam video of the rescue below.