MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office recognized a lieutenant, a local physical education teacher, and a specialized fugitive task force for their acts of bravery and service on Wednesday.
Lt. Luis F. Correa Jr. of the Homeland Security Bureau received the agency’s Silver Medal of Valor, Lifesaving Award, and Distinguished Deputy of the Month award after rescuing an injured worker during a deadly explosion.
According to the sheriff’s office, the incident occurred on June 15, where Correa was fueling his patrol vehicle at a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue logistics facility. At the same time, two civilian workers were inside a manhole when a fire and explosion erupted in the fueling area, authorities said.
According to MDSO, one worker was killed, while the other suffered critical injuries. Authorities said Correa immediately rushed to the scene, removed the injured survivor from the danger zone, and helped move the victim to a safer location where emergency medical personnel began treatment.
The sheriff’s office credited Correa’s quick actions with helping the injured worker receive medical care as well as risking his own safety.
The agency also recognized William C. Varas as the first-ever MDSO Citizen of the Month. Varas is a Physical Education Teacher at Lighthouse Ministry School, and was honored for saving the life of a student on May 8.
The sheriff’s office said the student accidentally swallowed a water bottle cap that became lodged into their throat, blocking the airway. Varas immediately began performing abdominal thrusts, eventually dislodging the cap and helping the child to breathe again, authorities said.
The sheriff’s office credited his actions, saying it was instrumental in saving the student’s life.
Along with the individual awards, the MDSO Warrants Bureau’s Florida Caribbean Fugitive Task Force was named the unit of the month. The seven-member team, consisting of six deputies and one sergeant, demonstrated the ability to conduct difficult, high-risk operations that led to the apprehension of several dangerous fugitives, according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities commended the unit’s teamwork, professionalism and commitment to public safety.
The MDSO June Awards Ceremony will take place on July 30, from 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. at the Fred Taylor Headquarters Building in Doral.
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