ORLANDO, Fla. — Community members and police officers were recognized for their service Wednesday.
The Orlando Police Department held an end-of-the-year awards ceremony where five officers were recognized for saving a father and daughter last August.
Investigators said Robert Merritt torched his home with his young child inside.
He apparently was upset about a custody dispute with the girl’s mother.
Sgt. Joseph Capece and officers Christopher Valenti, Russell Sayer, Michael Turner and Kevin Geschke broke the windows on the home and saved the girl.
“We go in and we have to preserve life. That’s what we’re there for, to protect the community,” said Valenti.
Merritt was arrested following the incident.
WFTV
