A Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputy helped saved the life of a Strawberry Crest High School student who suffered a medical episode Monday afternoon.
On October 12, 2020, just before 1:00 p.m., School Resource Deputy (SRD) Pedro Colon received an alert that a male student was experiencing a medical emergency in the school's cafeteria during lunchtime. Deputy Colon rushed approximately 100 feet to find the student seizing on the ground. He immediately began rendering aid to the student, performing CPR, and after several minutes, the student was alert and able to sit up. EMS arrived on campus and transported him to a local hospital where he received additional care. The life-saving incident was captured on Deputy Colon's body-worn camera.
"Deputy Colon's quick call to action was heroic, and had it not been for his efforts, we might be looking at a very different situation today," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "This incident goes to show the importance of the CPR training all of our deputies receive. It's a prime example of being ready to serve when called upon. I want to thank Deputy Colon for giving this student a second chance at life."
Deputy Colon has been employed with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office since 2003. This is his first year as an SRD at Strawberry Crest High School. Previously, he was an SRD at Leto High School for 11 years.
Body-worn camera video of the incident can be viewed here.