Tacita Gray, her mom (Irene Hall) and two family friends decided to spend the day at the hotel where Irene worked. When everyone else went inside for lunch, Irene decided to take a dip in the pool. About ten minutes later, Tacita had a feeling that something wasn’t right and decided to go check on her mom. When she got to the poolside, Tacita found her mom lying on the bottom of the pool, unconscious. Tacita immediately yelled for help and jumped into the pool to pull her mom out. Once she got her to the pool steps, Tacita started CPR which she had learned from watching television. Her efforts were successful, and Tacita restored her mother’s breathing. Paramedics arrived shortly thereafter and transported Irene to Lee Memorial Hospital. She was place in the Intensive Care Unit for two days and remained in the hospital for nine days. Fortunately, Irene regained her strength and returned home.
Due to Tacita’s bravery and quick thinking during a crisis, she was honored with The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Do The Right Thing Award.
(Fort Myers, Florida: 2000)

Written by Trish Routte, Lee County Sheriff’s Office