BRADENTON, Fla. — Two Manatee County deputies have been recognized for helping to rescue a truck driver critically injured in an industrial accident.

What You Need To Know

  • Two Manatee County deputies have been recognized for actions taken to help rescue a truck driver injured in an industrial accident

  • According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Luis Rivera-Lopez and Recruit Deputy Javier Zuniga-Mejia responded in August to an industrial accident believed to be a fatality

  • Even though bundles of heavy metal beams weighing 400 pounds each fell on truck driver Yoelvis Sacerio Garcia, the deputies found that he was still alive, but trapped

  • The two were able to move the bundles of beams and pull Sacerio Garcia to safety

  • Sheriff Rick Wells recognized the pair with the Deputy of the Month awards in September

According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Luis Rivera-Lopez and recruit Deputy Javier Zuniga-Mejia responded to a report of an industrial accident in August that was believed to be a fatality.

Bundles of aluminum beams weighing 400 pounds each had fallen on truck driver Yoelvis Sacerio Garcia, and even though one had fallen on his head, when the deputies arrived, they found that he was alive, but trapped.

Disregarding their own safety and "exhibiting exceptional bravery and a disregard for their own safety," Rivera-Lopez and Zuniga-Mejia entered the area and were able to move the bundles of beams and pull Sacerio Garcia to safety, a Manatee County Sheriff's Office statement said.

“At that point we realized the rest of the load on top of the trailer, and we were way too close to it and it was unsecured, and it could have fallen on us,” said Rivera-Lopez.

But both men didn’t hesitate to jump into action.

“At that point, the only thing that crossed my mind was helping the gentleman that was on the ground,” said Zuniga-Mejia. “I didn’t really think about my safety at the time. We attempted to remove the beams off his head as quickly as possible and get him to a secure area.”

For their heroic actions, Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells presented the men with the Deputy of the Month awards in September. But at the time, they didn’t know if Sacerio Garcia had survived after being taken to the hospital.

The driver’s employer confirmed that he is back at home with his wife, but can only see out of one eye and is still recovering from a traumatic brain injury.

The deputies learned of Sacerio Garcia's survival during their interview with Spectrum Bay News 9.

“I’m relieved. I’m happy for him and his family,” said Rivera-Lopez. “Because we weren’t sure after that day what happened to him.”

“It brings relief and joy to my heart that he can be with his family, and he has pulled through,” said Zuniga-Mejia.