A Florida sheriff’s sergeant has been praised for risking his own safety to rescue a 72-year-old grandfather who spent more than an hour clinging to a pipe after falling into the water at a marina.
Bodycam footage captured Volusia County Sheriff’s Sgt. William Leven removing his gun belt before jumping into the dark water at New Smyrna Beach to reach Bill Von Herbulis, who was struggling to keep his head above the surface.
The dramatic rescue took place on September 27, after Von Herbulis fell from his electric wheelchair while returning from a fishing trip. Leven is now expected to receive a Lifesaving Award for his actions.
Fishing Trip Ends in Terrifying Fall
Von Herbulis was leaving the marina at around 7.30pm when equipment he was hauling struck a dock box, causing him to fall from his electric wheelchair into the water.
The 72-year-old, who has been unable to stand or walk since breaking his neck 19 years ago, entered the water with his cellphone and found himself stranded.
He managed to grab an electrical pipe and held on while repeatedly shouting for help. His calls eventually attracted the attention of a passing fisherman, who contacted emergency services.
According to reports by Fox News Digital, Von Herbulis remained in the water for more than an hour before rescuers arrived.
Grandfather Clings to Pipe While Waiting for Help
The grandfather of six described the frightening experience of trying to stay afloat while holding on to the pipe.
“I looked up and swam up to the surface of the water,” he told the outlet.
He explained that the high tide had helped him reach the pipe. Had the water level been lower, he said, the pipe would have been approximately four to six feet above him, potentially leaving him without anything to hold.
As the minutes passed, Von Herbulis continued calling for help, unsure how long he would have to remain in the water.
“Help!” he recalled shouting repeatedly.
“I’m thinking, am I gonna have to wait here all night?” he said.
Bodycam Shows Deputy Removing Gun Belt Before Diving In
Volusia County Sheriff’s Sgt. William Leven and Deputy Boris Rodriguez arrived at the marina at approximately 9pm.
They found Von Herbulis struggling to keep his head above water. Bodycam footage shows Leven rushing along the dock before removing his gun belt and preparing to enter the water.
Carrying a rescue buoy, the sergeant jumped into the dark water and made his way towards the stranded grandfather.
The footage captures the urgency of the operation as Leven reached Von Herbulis and secured him for the journey back to safety.
With assistance from bystanders, the deputy helped bring the 72-year-old up a nearby set of stairs and onto the dock.
Von Herbulis Declines Medical Attention After Rescue
Once he was safely back on land, Von Herbulis declined medical attention and was returned to his electric wheelchair.
The rescue brought an end to a frightening ordeal that began with an accidental fall and left him dependent on the pipe to remain above the water.
Despite the danger, the grandfather later showed little hesitation about returning to the marina and continuing his favourite pastime.
“I was back the next day,” he said.
His decision to return so quickly highlighted his determination to continue fishing despite the incident.
Wife Praises Deputy’s Life-Saving Actions
Von Herbulis’ wife, Lori Von Herbulis, praised Leven for his response during the emergency.
“He doesn’t miss,” she said.
The sheriff’s sergeant is expected to receive a Lifesaving Award in recognition of his actions, according to Fox News Digital.
The incident has drawn attention to the deputy’s willingness to enter the water to reach someone in immediate danger, while the bodycam footage provides a record of the rescue.
Shark-Infested Waters Add to the Danger
The rescue took place in waters where sharks are known to be present, adding another potential hazard to the operation.
Von Herbulis is familiar with the marine life around the marina and regularly catches sharks there himself.
Reflecting on his escape, he joked about the possibility of encountering one while stranded in the water.
“There’s obviously sharks in that water,” he said. “But they didn’t want me.”
Although the grandfather escaped without accepting medical treatment, the incident underscored how quickly an ordinary fishing trip can turn into a life-threatening emergency.
Leven Set to Receive Lifesaving Award
Leven’s actions are set to be formally recognised with a Lifesaving Award following the dramatic rescue.
The sergeant’s decision to remove his equipment, enter the water with a rescue buoy and reach Von Herbulis helped bring the ordeal to a safe conclusion.
For the 72-year-old grandfather, the experience ended with a return to dry land and, remarkably, a quick return to fishing the following day.
