Introduction to the Incident
New bodycam video shows the harrowing moments when a Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the scene of a deadly helicopter crash in Pompano Beach—footage that shows how he risked his life to save others, the department says.
BSO recognized several employees with the medal of honor this week for their bravery in life-threatening situations.
The Heroic Actions of Deputy Mitchell Machado
One of them is Deputy Mitchell Machado. He ran to the scene in August of 2023 after a BSO fire rescue helicopter took off from near by Pompano Beach Airpark, quickly had mechanical issues, caught fire and crashed. It fell onto an apartment building on Northeast 10th Street near Dixie Highway, killing Battalion Chief Terryson Jackson and resident Lurean Wheaton. The pilot and a paramedic on board the chopper survived.
The Bodycam Footage
Bodycam video shows the perspective of Machado, who rushed to the scene to help when he saw the helicopter go down. "I remember throwing my motorcycle down to the ground and running toward the building," he said in a video made by the sheriff’s office. The footage shows how he ran into nearby units to evacuate people and tried to get into the burning home to save victims.
Detailed Account of the Rescue Efforts
"Everybody out!" he yelled once inside one of the units. "Is anybody home, hello!" he shouted as he made his way through as the fire alarm sounds. "As I left that apartment, I faintly heard cries for help," he said. "As I was thinking how can I enter this apartment to help the people that are crying for help, that’s when the apartment exploded and pushed me back."
The Explosion and Aftermath
Bodycam video captured that fireball that exploded through the residence where the chopper had crashed. It rattled Machado, and blew through what appears to be the front door. The sheriff’s office shared the bodycam video while announcing that Machado’s "brave actions amid the flames helped prevent more loss.” “It is an honor, a blessing to receive this. At the end of the day, we were just doing our job,” said Deputy Machado.
Victims of the Crash
BSO Fire Battalion Chief Terryson Jackson was killed in the crash. Lurean Wheaton, who lived in the apartment, also died. “It reminds me, every day is not promised,” said Deputy Machado.
Conclusion
The heroic actions of Deputy Mitchell Machado during the deadly helicopter crash in Pompano Beach serve as a reminder of the bravery and selflessness of first responders. The bodycam footage provides a glimpse into the intense and dangerous situation, and highlights the importance of quick thinking and action in emergency situations.
FAQs
- Q: What happened in Pompano Beach in August 2023?
A: A BSO fire rescue helicopter crashed into an apartment building after taking off from Pompano Beach Airpark, resulting in the deaths of two people. - Q: Who was recognized for their bravery in the incident?
A: Deputy Mitchell Machado was recognized with the medal of honor for his brave actions during the incident. - Q: What did the bodycam footage show?
A: The bodycam footage showed Deputy Machado’s perspective as he rushed to the scene, evacuated people from nearby units, and attempted to enter the burning home to save victims. - Q: What was the outcome of the incident?
A: Unfortunately, two people lost their lives, but Deputy Machado’s actions helped prevent more loss of life.
