Volusia County Deputy Receives Congressional Badge Of Bravery

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Deland, FL- A Volusia County deputy was honored at Deland City Hall today for his bravery during a shootout in July of 2016. Sheriff Mike Chitwood said that Deputy Justin Ferrari leaped into action. On July 24th, VCSO received a 911 call from a woman that was being held hostage by her husband. When they arrived on scene, they heard a young child saying, "Please don't kill Mommy, followed by gunshots." Chitwood said the woman was able to escape out a window with a leg bleeding from a gunshot wound. With the woman pinned down by gunfire, Deputy Ferrari left his position of cover to drag the woman about 80 feet to safety at a neighbor's front door. He then returned to the gunfight. The husband finally surrendered to deputies. Sheriff Chitwood said that "Ferrari exhibited extraordinary bravery, decisiveness and a willingness to protect others without regard for his own personal safety." Senator Bill Nelson, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, was at the Deland City Hall this morning to present Ferrari with the Congressional Badge of Bravery. He said that Ferrari did something extraordinary and it needs to be recognized. Nelson said that he's proud to recognize Ferrari for his bravery. Nelson also presented a Bronze Star and Purple Heart to Master Sergeant. William Holder USAF, Retired