The men and women of the Volusia County Sheriff's Office in Florida took an oath to protect and serve their community. Deputy Wes Brough takes that promise seriously, and when he got the call that a child was in danger, he knew just what to do. A 5-year-old autistic boy had reportedly escaped his home through a second-story door and set off an alarm. His parents were desperate for help.
The sheriff's office learned the child loves the water, so Brough and a group of deputies set out to find him. Bodycam footage shows the moment Brough rescued the boy from a pond. It is a heartwarming moment we all need to see.
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The boy is reportedly nonverbal.
Per a release on the sheriff's office's Facebook page, the child was at a home on Valmont Lane in Deltona when his parents heard an alarm go off. It appears the boy, who is nonverbal, escaped the house through a second-story door, triggering the alarm. The family began searching for the child and asking neighbors for help. A quick call to 911 expanded the search.
The boy went missing early in the evening.
Dispatchers received a call about the missing boy around 7:30 p.m. Deputies looked in the house and surrounding area, but did not find the child. His parents said he was attracted to water, so Brough and his team went searching.
"Around 7:48 p.m., Deputy Brough heard a voice and spotted the boy out in the water, hanging onto a log. Deputy Brough jumped into the pond and carried the boy to dry land, where he was medically cleared and returned to his family," the release reads.
Bodycam video captured the sweet moment.
Brough grabbed the child, who appeared to be unharmed, and pulled him out of the water. The deputy never hesitated, and the child didn't seem afraid.
The news release reads, "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!"
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The video made many people emotional.
Viewers shared their pride in the sheriff's office.
"He has been a hero many times over … cheers to Deputy Brough," one person commented. "Served his country and then served his community. Proud of you Wes. We all are."
People were particularly thankful for the sheriff's office's dedication to special training.
"That brought tears to my eyes," another commented. "Deputy Brough, you are a true hero. And thank you to all of the VSO deputies for your Autism Awareness training."
"As a mom of a non verbal child this is my biggest fear," a comment reads. "Knowing that deputies are finally being trained to be more aware of autistic children and how do interact with them. This officer did absolutely amazing! So glad this kiddo is home safe with his family."
