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An Escambia County, Florida, deputy risked his life to save a man trapped in a drainage pipe during a torrential downpour on the early morning of June 16.
According to police, severe storms caused heavy flooding in the area, which led to a man, and the deputy who tried to rescue him, being sucked into a drainage pipe and submerged underwater for nearly a minute.
Ultimately, thanks to Deputy William Hollingsworth’s quick actions, the two miraculously emerged unharmed on the other side of the roadway.
Hollingsworth said that the incident occurred while he was assisting motorists stranded in the rising waters.
While he was attending to a disabled motorist, both were suddenly swept away by the rushing floodwaters into a nearby drainage pipe.
Both Hollingsworth and the man plunged into 100-foot-deep water, remaining submerged during an intense 30-second ordeal beneath Highway 98.
In body camera footage of the event, Hollingsworth can be seen catching his breath and expressing shock at what was occurring. “Can you […] believe what happened to us?” he exclaimed, still trying to process the gravity of the situation. The motorist, struggling to regain his composure, remarked, “I almost died,” as he thanked Hollingsworth for being there when they resurfaced.
Despite the traumatic experience, both individuals miraculously escaped without major injuries.
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons commended Hollingsworth’s extraordinary bravery. “This is an outstanding show of courage. From one law enforcement officer to another; you are the example of what protect and serve means … I salute you,” he said.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said that the incident was one of many rescue operations that took place due to the flooding. A whopping 349 people were rescued in Escambia County overnight, including 269 from the Forest Creek Apartment complex in West Pensacola.
Hollingsworth’s heroic actions have garnered praise from local residents, law enforcement colleagues and social media followers alike.
Many took to the sheriff’s office’s Facebook to express their gratitude and admiration.
“God Bless this Officer and the guy he saved. Deputy Hollingsworth, thank you for such a selfless man you are,” one Facebook user wrote.
Officials warn that as severe weather continues to impact parts of the South, including the Florida Panhandle, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and heed warnings to ensure their safety.
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