On an August morning, what began as a routine commute for two of our St. Augustine technicians quickly turned into a rescue mission that demonstrated the very best of our company values.
Tim Durand (WCC HE FM Tech I) and Chris Hatten (WCC HE FM Tech I) were driving their service trucks from the St. Augustine shop to a job site off Normandy Boulevard. Tim led the way across the Buckman Bridge, with Chris following closely behind. As they crossed into Clay County, they both noticed a car several vehicles ahead drift out of its lane, scraping against the guardrail multiple times.
The situation grew more alarming as they exited the bridge and they watched the car go off the road, hit an embankment, and then go airborne before landing with a "belly flop" into a nearby retention pond.
Without hesitation, Tim searched for a safe place to pull over his service truck, despite the construction cones lining the road. He immediately tried to call 911 but couldn't get through. Once safely parked, he sprinted towards the pond, instructing someone nearby to dial 911. He jumped into the water, ready to assist the driver. Meanwhile, Chris, who had parked a little farther back, quickly ran to join him at the scene.
The driver, a young woman, had managed to open her window and was partially hanging out of the vehicle. "Should I swim to you?" she called out to Tim. "Can you swim?" he responded. After she confirmed she could, Tim guided her to shore, helping her safely out of the water.
Paramedics transported the woman to a local hospital where she was treated for minor injuries. Grateful to be safe, she shared that she had not been feeling well while driving over the bridge and was looking for a place to stop when she passed out. She had no memory of the repeated collisions with the guardrail or how her vehicle ended up in the water.
Later, Tim was able to speak with the woman’s husband, who expressed deep gratitude for both Tim’s and Chris’s heroic efforts. The couple hopes to meet Tim and Chris in person soon to thank them.
Following the rescue, Tim called his wife to explain why he’d need her to bring him a fresh set of clothes—slowly revealing the extraordinary events that had unfolded that morning.
The heroic efforts of Tim and Chris are a testament to the character of our employees and how they exhibit our company values. What outstanding citizens, we are so proud of them and their contribution to the community.