I.U.P.A. Local Volusia County Deputies Association, #6035 Member Deputy Wes Brough was recognized by the International Union of Police Associations with a letter and certificate for saving the life of a child clinging to a log in a pond.
President Cabral and Secretary-Treasurer Crivello sent Deputy Wes Brough a signed certificate along with a letter from President Cabral that read, “On behalf of the International Union of Police Associations, I am honored to commend you for your lifesaving actions.”
The letter continued, “When you received a call about a five-year-old autistic child that was lost, you did not hesitate to search the woods, run into waist-deep water, lift and carry the boy who was clinging to a log, and safely transport the child to the safety of the land and back to his parents.”
The letter concluded, “That five-year-old boy owes you his life and we all owe you a debt of gratitude. Your actions reflect the very highest traditions of this noble profession and are deservedly commended.”
Deputy Wes Brough was also recognized by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund for his heroism when they named him the Officer of the Month for August 2024. Below is a photo of their announcement in their newsletter, The Rose and Shield Insider.
A number of news outlets also picked up the story, all of which shared the body cam footage:
- NBC Miami, “Dramatic video shows Florida deputy rescuing missing 5-year-old autistic boy from pond”
- WESH 2, “Video shows Volusia deputy rescue missing 5-year-old from large pond”
- CBS News, “Florida sheriff’s deputy rescues missing 5-year-old autistic boy from pond”
- FOX 59, “WATCH: Florida deputy rescues missing 5-year-old found clinging to log in large pond”
