Florida deputies rescue man in mental health crisis on Christmas

A pair of Hillsborough County deputies are being praised after they worked to save a man experiencing a mental health crisis who was in danger of drowning.

According to the sheriff’s office, the deputies were called to a canal just south of Selmon Expressway in Palm River for a report of a man possibly drowning.

When the deputies arrived, they jumped into a row boat to reach the man, who they quickly realized was experiencing a mental health crisis, according to a Facebook post by the sheriff’s office.

Body-camera video shows the deputies pulling the man out of the water and into the boat. The sheriff’s office said the deputies were then able to pull the man to shore, where some witnesses helped with getting the man to safety.

“I’m thoroughly impressed with the teamwork between our deputies and the Good Samaritans in our community,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.