Off-duty Florida officer was chilling with family on vacation when he heard 'cries for help' — his quick response saved a boy

The officer immediately rushed to check what was happening when he found the source of the commotion.

PUBLISHED JUN 1, 2025

(L) A merry-go-round at a theme park. (R) A police officer standing on the road with his hands folded. (Representative Cover Image Source: Pexels | (L) PRAPHAPHAN WONGSAWAN; (R) Kindel Media)

People tend to relax and be less on guard during vacations. However, the same is not possible for everyone, especially for people in the police or military, as they remain alert even during their vacations. The same happened with a Sergeant named Paul DeSousa, who was with his family in Dollywood. In 2024, DeSousa was enjoying his vacation and walking around with his family when he heard the commotion. As soon as he heard people's cries for help, he immediately rushed to the scene to check on the people there. His vigilance and astute action saved a young boy's life, per a Facebook post from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

People sitting on a bench at a theme park. Representative Image Source: Pexels | Brett Sayles

DeSousa was at the theme park with his family, not in uniform or on duty, and in a different state when the incident happened. As they pointed out, "a first responder is never truly off duty." So, when he heard cries for help, he ran towards the source without thinking twice. When he eventually found the source, he saw that a theme park employee was trying to do a Heimlich maneuver on a young boy who had stopped breathing. The officer immediately stepped in and tried to assess the boy's condition. There was nothing in the boy's mouth or throat, but he had stopped breathing and his face had started turning blue.

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DeSousa started performing CPR on the boy and kept going until a paramedic, also on vacation with his family, arrived at the scene. He came in quickly to help save the boy's life. They worked together until the boy started breathing, and color started returning to his face. The two of them stayed with the kid until an ambulance arrived for him. Many people appreciated the officer's work in the comment section.

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Margaux Couveau wrote, "So much more than just a badge, and I wish everyone could understand this. Thank you, Sergeant DeSousa and to the unnamed paramedic who saved this boy. Christmas will mean so much more to his loved ones. Heroes on and out of uniform." Eileen Marotto commented, "First Sergeant DeSousa on site, then a paramedic joins in. And a young boy who made it through. That pretty much summarizes how important and selfless our first responders are." Kayleigh Miles remarked, "Great job, Sergeant DeSousa. Heroes don't wear capes. Well done to the off-duty paramedic, too. Hope the young lad is doing better. Bless him. Hope Sergeant DeSousa, the paramedic and the young lad enjoyed the rest of their holiday."

Harry Perez shared, "It does my heart good to read stories like this. This is why I support the people in blue, no matter what. They are always ready to jump in and save the day. I have family members in Flagler who are Deputies, and one retired from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and one active cousin in the NYPD and I am so proud of all of them. So, to all of law enforcement, I stand and salute you." Frank Raymond expressed, "That's awesome. Way to go, Paul! You are doing great things, my friend. Keep up the great work, and thank you for all that you do for our community and abroad."