Two ‘Heroes’ Save Child from Harm’s Way While Working for Orange County Utilities

Community & Services

An average day turned out to be anything but when two astute electricians working for the Orange County Utilities Water Division saved a child from the dangers of a nearby highway.

Virendra “Arune” Persaud and Abdiel Otero Ortiz routinely travel between the county’s water treatment plants repairing and upgrading electrical systems.

However, on a recent Friday, they saw a young boy by the on-ramp of Central Florida’s busy 417 toll-road on the east side of the county. He was clad in pajamas, tennis shoes and playing on a scooter.

Acting quickly, the duo pulled over their vehicle to approach the child and then contacted the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Arune and Abdiel stayed with the child until safely handing him off for follow-up by the authorities.

The child was unharmed thanks to the swift action of these two Orange County Utilities employees.

Mayor Jerry Demings heralded their actions. “These two ‘heroes’ went above and beyond to make sure this child was safe,” he said. “We are grateful for their quick thinking and that the child was saved from what could have been a terrible tragedy.”

Orange County Utilities instills in its teams that serving the community is part of its overall mission.

“We’re very proud that there was a happy outcome thanks to our two team members who did the right thing to assist the child,” said Ed Torres, Director of Orange County Utilities. “These individuals acted on their ‘servants’ hearts,’ which prevented a young child from losing his life on that busy highway. We’re thankful that it worked out and the child was safe.”

Pictured, from left to right, with their fleet vehicle are Arune and Abdiel.

Way to go heroes from Orange County Utilities!

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