Local

Orange County Deputy returns to flood duty to save pets and residents

Deputy Benjamin Hayden also responded to devastating flooding in Orlo Vista after Hurricane Ian in 2022

Orange County deputy helps rescue dog during Melbourne-area flooding Deputy Benjamin Hayden carries a dog during a rescue in the Melbourne area on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said its High Water Rescue Team helped save the dog and its family from rising floodwaters.

MELBOURNE, Fla. — An Orange County deputy who helped residents during Hurricane Ian is back on flood-rescue duty, this time helping save a dog and its family in the Melbourne area.

Deputy Benjamin Hayden worked with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office High Water Rescue Team during Monday’s rescue, according to the agency.

The rescue comes as flooding has closed roads and disrupted travel across parts of Brevard County.

Back on flood-rescue duty

The sheriff’s office shared a photo of Hayden carrying a dog near the entrance to Lamplighter Village, alongside an image from his response to Hurricane Ian in 2022.

During that storm, Hayden responded to Orlo Vista after historic rainfall flooded the Orange County community.

On Monday, he was again helping a family and their pet escape rising water, the agency said.

The sheriff’s office did not provide additional details about the family or the rescue.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Brody Wooddell

Brody Wooddell, WFTV.com

Brody Wooddell is a digital journalist and media leader with more than a decade of experience in content strategy, audience growth, and digital storytelling across television and online news platforms.

0