ORLANDO, Fla. – When it comes to Central Florida's first responders, it's all about humanizing the badge.
Sure, they do their jobs well by protecting and serving, but what's also impressive is the initiative members of each agency take to build relationships within their community.
That's why the News 6 at Nine team likes to take some time every week to highlight special first responders who are going beyond the call of duty.
Our first stop begins with burgers, hot dogs and conversation. Officers from the Ocoee Police Department hosted a community cookout with locals at Palm Drive Park.
We ❤️ spending time in our community! This afternoon, we held our Hand in Hand in the Community, a community engagement event, in Palm Drive Park. We had great conversations, great fun, and made a few new friends!
Posted by Ocoee Police Department on Thursday, September 5, 2019
The Orlando Fire Department's Local 1365 stretched a few muscles at Lake Eola in support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Greater Central Florida's Muscle Walk.
Happy to support Muscular Dystrophy Association- Greater Central Florida Muscle Walk at Lake Eola Park this morning with...
Posted by Orlando Fire Department on Saturday, September 7, 2019
It seems our superheroes in blue do come with super strength. Officer Cedrick Kelly of the Orlando Police Department assisted Orange County Public Schools staff in moving heavy equipment on campus.
Officer Cedrick Kelly made us all proud today when he assisted one of the administrators, Senior Manager Teresa Shipley...
Posted by Orlando Police Department on Monday, September 9, 2019
AAA isn't needed when you have the Sanford Police Department around. When a couple ran out of gas on the side of the road and their credit card was not working, a deputy came to the rescue with a complimentary gallon of gas to get them home.
It is always encouraging when we find out the simple acts of service make a difference.Way to go Officer Nunez! #SPD #Bettertogether #DeltaSquad
Posted by Sanford Police Department on Monday, September 9, 2019
Hurricane Dorian forced many Floridians living on the coast to seek shelter, but officers from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office had other plans. While on patrol, a deputy noticed a few baby turtles who recently emerged from their nest and could not find the ocean. Fortunately, he escorted them to the sea.
Hurricane Dorian Turtle RescueDuring Hurricane Dorian, the FCSO was committed to keeping our residents safe. ALL of our residents. While on Patrol, Sergeant Tietje noticed some baby turtles who were struggling to find the ocean. When baby turtles emerge from the nest they use cues to find the water including the slope of the beach, the white crests of the waves, and the natural light of the ocean horizon. Hurricane Dorian made these ques impossible to see! But lucky for them, Sergeant Tietje was there to save the day! Watch the video below.
Posted by Flagler County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, September 5, 2019
For more on these feel-good stories and to see other stories that highlight the good news in Central Florida, watch News 6 at Nine on Wednesdays, starting at 9 a.m.