EPCOT Security Cast Member Honored with Disney Heroes Award for Saving Child
Stories of heroes and heroines make Disney special! Today, EPCOT Security Cast Member Joe Diaz received a Disney Heroes Award from Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle for his real-life valiant actions.
Image Credit: Jeff Vahle on Instagram
The Heroic Event
Last December on his way home, Diaz noticed the vehicle in front of him trying to brake before it lost control. Quickly, the car skidded across the road and flipped into a recreational pond. The car was partially submerged with a child stuck in a car seat. Diaz called for help before running to the vehicle. There, he stayed with the child, holding his head above water until paramedics and rescue personnel arrived to free him.
Image Credit: Jeff Vahle on Instagram
Today’s Celebration
Vahle celebrated Diaz’s heroic acts in a ceremony to present this prestigious award. The Disney Heroes Award is given to Cast Members who prevent serious injury or save a life.
Image Credit: Jeff Vahle on Instagram
They were joined by Vice President of Security Linda Reid and Vice President of EPCOT Kartika Rodriguez.
“What an amazing individual!” Vahle said in his Instagram post celebrating Diaz after the presentation.
View this post on Instagram
Diaz previously told the Orlanda Sentinel about the experience. He recalled that he grabbed his flashlight and immediately went toward the water after calling emergency services.
“I didn’t think about that at the moment, just take action. That was the main worry, … you try to save the life of the kids,” Díaz told the Sentinel in December.
Congratulations to Mr. Diaz on such a well-deserved award and inspiring act of selflessness!
Want to learn more about cast members and the happenings in the parks? Check out WDW President Vahle’s Instagram page. He often posts insightful and interesting tidbits. One might say that he is just as big of a fan as the rest of us!
