ORLANDO, Fla. – When it comes to Central Florida's first responders, it's all about humanizing the badge.
Sure, they do their jobs well by protecting and serving, but what's also impressive is the initiative members of each agency take to build relationships within their community.
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That's why the News 6 at Nine team likes to take some time every week to highlight special first responders who are going beyond the call of duty.
We start in Lake County this week, where a mother praised a deputy for his simple act of kindness that kept the woman's daughters dry as they waited to be picked up for school. The mom peeped out her front door to find it was raining at the girls' bus stop. The deputy must have seen the same thing, prompting him to get out of his vehicle and hand them his umbrella. As the girls got on the bus, they thanked the deputy for stopping and waiting with them.
Some UCF officers are kicking off a brand new year at a brand new campus with a brand new substation, which they showed off just a few days ago. Thank you for protecting the campus and those in and around it. Good luck this year.
A reminder that UCFPD will be opening the doors to our new @UCFDowntown substation today!
— UCF Police Dept. (@UCFPolice) August 16, 2019
Join us at 398 W Amelia St - we'll start at 10:30AM with remarks from @UCFChiefMetzger and a few special guests, followed by a ribbon-cutting and self-guided tour of the new space. pic.twitter.com/5tKGjdSxSG
If there's anyone we can learn safety tips from, it's our first responders, which is why the Seminole County Sheriff's Office partnered with Seminole County Fire Rescue to host a Safe Kids Day event at the Sanford Mall. The kids learn plenty of important lessons, which included demonstrations on safe driving.
Come out to Seminole County Safe Kids Day at Sanford Mall! This fun and educational event will be going until 2pm! #WeAreSCSO
Posted by Seminole County Sheriff's Office on Saturday, August 17, 2019
To some, a flat tire may not be an emergency, but to others it definitely can be. Either way, members of the Orlando Fire Department are always down to help. The crews of Engine 6 came to one driver's rescue this week.
Emergency? Not exactly, but it’s the crews of Engine 6 and Rescue 6 being good samaritans by helping change a flat tire.
Posted by Orlando Fire Department on Saturday, August 17, 2019
Chasing down bad guys, wrangling gators -- Cocoa officers really can do it all. When police got a call about a gator next to a car, they responded, secured it and even did a little show and tell demo for neighbors before relocating the reptile. And now I know who to call next time I see a snake in my yard.
#EveryDayIsAnAdventure Echo Squad responding to a gator next to a car... little fella was lost and needed a little help...
Posted by Cocoa Police Department on Saturday, August 17, 2019
If you watch News 6 at Nine, you may remember K9 Cooper, the Orange County Fire Rescue Department's original comfort dog. The very good boy -- who looks quite handsome in a birthday hat -- just celebrated his 10th birthday, so join us in wishing him a wonderful 10th year. Cooper, may you enjoy many more years of snuggles.
Happy 10th birthday to our own K9 Cooper! Here’s to many more years of snuggles and crew visits with our original comfort dog.
Posted by Orange County Fire Rescue Department, Florida on Wednesday, August 14, 2019
For more on these feel-good stories and to see other stories that highlight the good news in Central Florida, watch News 6 at Nine on Wednesdays, starting at 9 a.m.