Helen Beard, the British tourist who caught a 1-year-old child who fell from a four-story balcony at an Orlando hotel will be recognized by Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings Friday afternoon.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office told KnightNews.com that together with the International Drive Resort Area
Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Children and Families, the groups will meet with Beard to “recognize her for her quick thinking and heroic actions in saving the life of a 1-year-old.”
Beard will get a medal of merit for her actions on the night of April 21, 2011, where officials say she saved the life of the child who, after clinging from the railings of a fourth story Econolodge hotel balcony, fell to the ground.
“Mrs. Beard showed unusual instinct and initiative when she exited from the swimming pool area and was able to catch the child as she fell, thus saving her from extreme physical injuries and/or death,” an Orange County sheriff’s spokesman said.
