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Deputies in Hillsborough County, Florida, recently saved a 5-year-old autistic girl who wandered away from home and got lost in a swampy, wooded area in Tampa.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) shared a video on Facebook capturing the emotional rescue on the evening of February 26. According to the post, their Aviation Unit was swiftly deployed at 5:10 p.m. to aid deputies in locating the missing child. Utilizing a thermal imaging camera, the aviation team successfully located the girl within an hour, allowing deputies to reach her and ensure her safety.
The video shared by the HCSO showed deputies approaching the little girl with care and compassion, reassuring her as they guided her out of the swamp.
“Come here, sweetie,” one deputy could be heard saying in the footage.
In one moment captured on bodycam, a deputy embraced the child, gently reassuring her as they navigated the swampy terrain.
“Hi, baby girl. Let’s get you out of the water,” the deputy said.
Another deputy offered words of comfort to the girl after she was rescued and brought to safety.
“You were walking quite a bit, sweetheart. We were looking for you,” the deputy said.
Sheriff Chad Chronister commended the deputies for their swift action, explaining how their quick response turned what could have been a tragic situation into a hopeful reunion.
“Their dedication shows what service and protection are all about here at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office,” Chronister stated in a press release.
Thankfully, the girl was safely reunited with her family, unharmed by her ordeal in the swamp. A representative from the HCSO confirmed to Fox News Digital that the girl’s parents were at home when she wandered off, and no charges will be filed at this time.
The rescue showcased the important role law enforcement has in protecting all community members, especially the most vulnerable.
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