In a dramatic turn of events that unfolded earlier this year, Donny Daugherty, a Winter Springs resident, was honored on Friday by the Seminole County Fire Department for performing a life-saving act of bravery. Daugherty received a "Citizen Life Saving Award" for his actions in rescuing a driver from a fiery vehicular accident in Casselberry, a rescue detailed by FOX 35 Orlando.
The crash, which occurred back in February, saw a collision between two vehicles that resulted in one hitting a utility pole and subsequently catching fire. Daugherty, who was nearby at that time, did not hesitate to jump into action. "I stopped at the store to get medicine. I filled up my truck with gas because I didn't want to deal with it the next morning," he explained, in a statement reported by FOX 35 Orlando.
The ceremony was also a reunion, Daugherty had the opportunity to meet Gina Ligonde, the woman he saved, face to face. Ligonde expressed profound gratitude for Daugherty's courageous act, saying, "If it wasn’t for him, again, I would not be here," during an emotional testimony, which was reported by ClickOrlando.
Patrick Haney, another witness to the crash, was acknowledged for his quick response too. After his wife called 911, Haney ran to the scene. "I did not think anyone was going to crawl out of that car, but sure enough it was a miracle that (Ligonde) had just crawled out of the back and she was grabbed and moved over to me," Haney detailed his encounter in an interview with ClickOrlando.
