Buccaneers CEO Ford Honors Deputies For Saving Boy From Seffner Fire

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Buccaneers CEO Brian Ford and Sheriff Chad Chronister presented the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Life Saving Award to deputies and civilian employees who gave selfless actions to the community within the last year.

Below are some of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office members who were honored at the 2nd Quarter Awards Ceremony.

Deputies Alex Maldonado and Kevin Reich—May 19, Rescued Boy From Seffner House Fire

Maldonano and Reich broke a window of a burning house in Seffner on May 19 to save a 9-year-old boy who was trapped inside. The deputies called for the boy and through thick smoke and massive flames found him and quickly took him outside to safety.

"I'd to invite 9-year-old Owen and his parents to be part of this honor," the spokeswoman at the ceremony said before presenting the deputies with awards. Owen's last name is being withheld since he is a minor.

Owen and his parents along with CEO Brian Ford joined them on stage as they received their awards. Ford presented Maldonano and Reich with a custom football from the Buccaneers.

Chronister said, "When you talk about strong and brave individuals, it's not just our deputies, it's this 9-year-old boy. This 9-year-old boy had a will to live, and I think he's going to be a thorn in his parents' side for the rest of his life. But Owen, you never gave up."

Owen was placed on a feeding tube and a respirator when he went to the hospital after the rescue. Owen is recovering well from his injuries, Chronister said.

Communications Training Officer Dec. 21, 2021 — Man Shot At Deputies 72 Times In Brandon

A 35-year-old man is accused of shooting at deputies 72 times at the Wash-Up Brandon Car Wash on the afternoon of Dec. 21, 2021. Dispatchers received a call about a man who they said acted strangely while standing outside his car. When deputies, arrived at the 830 E. Brandon Blvd. location, investigators accused the suspect, Daniel Lighty, of shooting at the deputies, and a deputy exchanged gunfire with Lighty.

At this time, many people called 911 to report the incident, including Lighty. Senior Dispatcher Jessica Vote who has been with HCSO since 2o10 was able to field the calls while relaying critical information to the deputies on scene.

Civilian of the Quarter Award.

"Her ability to maintain composure in a situation that could have turned deadly played a big role in helping deputies end this incident peacefully," the spokeswoman said a the ceremony. "And her dedication does not end there. This employee has dedicated her studies, earning both her bachelor's and master's degree during her time here at HCSO."

Vote was presented with the HCSO Civilian of the Quarter Award and a gift from Florida West Coast Credit Union.

To see the full presentation of awards, visit the HSCO Facebook Page.

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• Armed Gunman Accused Of Firing 72 Shots Toward Police In Brandon
• Boy Critically Injured In Seffner House Fire: Hillsborough Fire Rescue