At the end of last week, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., recognized the heroic actions of Chase Poust, 7, in an official Congressional statement for the record.
Chase’s actions saved the lives of his dad, Steven, and younger sister, Abigail, on May 28, 2021. Scott also applauded the actions of the brave first responders with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Scott entered the following in the Congressional Record:
Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the heroic actions of 7-year-old Chase Poust, of Jacksonville, FL, and thank the brave first responders with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission whose actions saved Chase’s dad, Steven, and 4-year-old sister, Abigail.
On May 28, 2021, Steven, Chase, and Abigail were boating and swimming on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, FL, when the current pulled 4-year-old Abigail away, causing her to lose grip from the boat. Her father, Steven, jumped in to try to bring her back to safety. At the direction of his dad, Chase swam to get to the shore to find help, swimming through the river for over an hour.
Within that hour, Steven and Abigail had drifted nearly 2 miles away from the boat, according to Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department; and other agencies, including the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, were called in to expand the search. Thanks to Chase and Jacksonville’s brave first responders, Steven and Abigail were successfully rescued and a terrible tragedy was prevented.
Chase’s strength and bravery is a reminder that heroes come in all ages and sizes. I applaud the lifesaving actions of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and most of all, Chase, who showed remarkable grit and determination to save his dad and sister.
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