‘It was a big miracle’: Bay Harbor Islands Police commander receives life-saving award for heroic rescue

Bay Harbor Islands Police Commander Tomas Rego was recognized during a town council meeting on Wednesday night after receiving a life-saving award for rescuing a 1-year-old child at the Haulover sandbar in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida.

The off-duty commander responded to distress calls coming from the water near the Indian Creek canal on July 3, 2025, ultimately reuniting with the child's grateful family during the award presentation.

Incident Overview

According to municipal officials and local reports, the incident took place on July 3, 2025, near the Haulover sandbar. Commander Tomas Rego of the Bay Harbor Islands Police Department was off duty at the time but elected to conduct an additional patrol in the area of the Indian Creek canal. While monitoring the canal, Commander Rego suddenly heard a woman's frantic screams coming from the water. Spotting the emergency, Rego acted quickly to assist a then-1-year-old girl who was in distress, successfully carrying out a life-saving rescue.

Timeline of Events

1. July 3, 2025: Off-duty Commander Tomas Rego conducts an additional patrol in the Indian Creek canal near the Haulover sandbar. Upon hearing a woman screaming, Rego immediately intervenes and saves a 1-year-old girl.
2. Wednesday Night: Commander Rego is formally honored with a life-saving award during a Bay Harbor Islands town council meeting, where he meets with the young girl's family.

Victim Information

Officials reported that the individual saved during the emergency was a 1-year-old girl. In accordance with privacy standards for minors, authorities have not publicly released her name. Following the recognition ceremony, her family expressed deep gratitude to Commander Rego for his immediate action and lifesaving intervention that day.

Police Response

Although Commander Rego was off duty, he chose to perform an extra patrol along the Indian Creek canal. Upon hearing the woman's cries for help, Commander Rego immediately relied on his professional training to render critical assistance to the child in the water, resolving the life-threatening situation before further harm could occur.

Statements from Authorities

Reflecting on the critical moments of the rescue during the commendation, Commander Tomas Rego described his immediate reaction upon hearing the cries for help. “I see my training kicking in, and I see my kid’s face, so I was like, ‘I have to do something,’” Rego stated as he recalled the event.

Public Safety Information

In any emergency situation on or near the water, members of the public are advised to alert authorities immediately by calling 911. Constant supervision of young children near water bodies and knowledge of emergency response protocols are critical factors in preventing accidental drownings and aquatic injuries.

What Happens Next

Following the formal recognition at the town council meeting, Commander Tomas Rego remains on duty with the Bay Harbor Islands Police Department, serving the local community.

Source Attribution

This report is based on official news coverage provided by WSVN Miami (wsvn.com).