HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL – A Christmas Day rescue operation unfolded south of the Selmon Expressway in Palm River, where Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies and local community members collaborated to save a man in distress in a canal.
Upon receiving the emergency call, Deputy Diaz-Rodriguez and Deputy Hill from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (#teamHCSO) quickly mobilized using a rowboat. During the rescue, they recognized that the individual was experiencing a mental health crisis and needed further assistance once ashore.
Sheriff Chad Chronister commended the deputies and community members for their exemplary teamwork in ensuring the man’s safety. He also emphasized the importance of seeking help during mental health crises, highlighting the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay as a valuable resource, accessible by dialing 211. This incident serves as a reminder of the vital role of community and law enforcement collaboration in responding to emergencies.