Ernesto Fernandes showed perseverance and determination in his desire to save a life. That’s when he decided to jump into the river in Miami to help the child.
Despite the fact that the boy he was trying to save was autistic, and despite his own son, who is also on the autism spectrum, Fernandes did not hesitate in his decision.
His heroic act was captured by the camera on his uniform, and the video shows how his colleague arrived in time to help him bring the child to safety in the police car. Fernandes was soaked to the bone from his actions.
“On August 2, he was selected for an event dedicated to supporting and building friendships with people with special needs.
Rabbi Yossi Harling of the Miami Friendship Circle expressed his gratitude to the officer, saying, “You helped because you really knew this child.” »
“One of the biggest concerns parents of children with autism face (and if you’re a parent of a child with special needs yourself, you know exactly what I’m talking about) is the fear that their child will finds himself in a situation where his actions will not be understood,” Harling emphasized.
“This experience has an impact not only on the participants, but also on the whole of society, emphasizing its importance and arousing an intense emotional response,” highlighted the police chief, Manuel Morales.
