RIVERVIEW, Fla. (WFLA) — A Hillsborough County deputy and good Samaritans jumped into action to help rescue a mother and five children after a crash on Tuesday.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Sgt. Donnie Rizer came across a crash on Highway 301 in Riverview around 5:38 p.m. Thursday.
A minivan overturned and a mother and five children were trapped inside but only four were accounted for.
Rizer said he saw two tiny fingers in the sunroof so he removed his vest and equipment belt and crawled into the van, rescuing the last child.
“As I’m coming through the window I could see his finger moving at that point it elevated, I said, ‘OK, he’s in here, where’s he at,” Rizer said. “To see how glad she was to get out of that belt and come out of that vehicle in my arms, that was probably one of the most gratifying things you could ask as a law enforcement officer or as a human being.”
“Sergeant Donnie Rizer’s response was nothing short of extraordinary. His bravery, composure, and genuine care for all involved are commendable,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
Chronister said the children avoided serious injuries from the crash because of their mother.
“Because of (her) the importance and the responsibility of being a great parent that (she) made sure every one of (her) children were properly restrained from infant up to 10 years old,” he said.
