Sheriff's Office Honors Boy Who Saved Teen From Drowning
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FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - A Deerfield Beach boy who saved 13-year old Usely Michel from drowning in a community pool was honored Thursday for his heroic actions.
The Broward Sheriff's Office will have a special presentation for Angel Rivera, 11, at Deerfield Beach Midde School.
"He could have drown himself but he did it any. We have a word in the dictionary for poeple like him, the word is hero," Sheriff Scott Israel told the crowd of Rivera's classmates. "This Special Recognition award is presented to Angel Rivera in recognition of your outstanding bravery for saving a life on April 24, 2016."
Usley was also recognized.
"We're glad she's with us. How about a hand for her," said Israel.
Bother Rivera and Michel said they were a bit nervous, but aslo excited to be honored in front of their classmates.
"That day was like a fear that came and left. It was a decision. Either panic and let her die or act smart and do something. I did smart and did something. I feel very proud," said Rivera.
"I want to thank him and his family. With out him I don't know what my family was going to do," said Michel.
The Mayor of Deerfield Beach declared Thursday "Angel Rivera Day."
Rivera was in the right place at the right time to save Michel.
The boy and his mother, along with more than a dozen other children and adults, were hanging out at the pool at the Highlands Mobile Home Park in Deerfield Beach on April 24th, when he noticed something wasn't right.
"She was down on the bottom, I picked her up and took her out and then I had to save her life because the people were screaming," Angel said the day of the incident.
Rivera's mother said she didn't realize anything was wrong until her son pulled the girl out of the water.
The adults called 911 and started CPR efforts. Rescue crews rushed the girl to Broward Health North in serious condition.
Michel recovered and after a few days was released from the hospital. Her first priority was to meet the boy who had save her life - and she did.
Rivera said after all that happened, he wants to be a lifeguard.