TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet on Tuesday, Florida Governor Rick Scott recognized three law enforcement officials for their actions of bravery.
Governor Scott awarded Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officer David Brady, Indian River Sheriff's Deputy Robert Sunkel and Indian River Sheriff's Deputy Linda Nolan all received the Medal of Heroism.
On March 23, the Indian River County Sheriff's Office responded to a crash involving a septic tanker truck and a car. After the crash, the car and truck burst intro flames (video above) with a woman trapped inside the car.
Deputy Sunkel got to the scene, broke the window of the car and rescued the woman. Deputy Nolan arrived shortly after and used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. The woman was taken to the hospital and had burns to her hands that were treatable.
"Their quick reaction to the life-threatening situation demonstrates tremendous courage," Governor Scott said. "I applaud the bravery and selflessness of these officers to protect families in their community.”
In a separate incident, FWC Officer David Brady responded to a disturbance call involving two men on a sailboat. After asking for identification, the two men opened fire and boarded Officer Brady's boat.
Brady jumped from his boat into the water and returned fire, hitting one of the men in their hand. Brady was shot in his collarbone and chest.
The two men escaped, but were taken into custody a few hours later.
“FWC officers must respond quickly and be prepared for any dangerous situation or confrontation while on patrol," Governor Scott said. "We are proud of Officer Brady’s brave actions to ensure that these individuals were apprehended and we thank Governor Scott for honoring his courage.”