ORANGE PARK – Firefighters who were more accustomed to pulling victims from wrecked cars and burning buildings, gently clinched Baby Vianca with the kind of attachment they’re taught to resist.
The little girl will always be the department’s miracle. Every member of Clay County Fire Rescue is an honorary uncle to the tiny girl who was pulled from the brackish waters of Black Creek on Aug. 25, 2024, after being trapped under an overturned pontoon boat for more than 13 minutes.
In an incredible twist of fate, Baby Vianca was brought back from death, defied odds during a two-month stay at Wolfson Children’s Hospital and returned home to continue her improbable recovery.
All were reunited on Friday, Dec. 19, at Kids Care of Orange Park for a Christmas party. Hardened rescuers who played a role in the unexplained recovery trembled as they each took turns to hold her.
“She looks incredible,” said Lt. Joe Hutchins, who, along with Thomas Gill, jumped on a private boat operated by a father and son who were off to go shrimping, and responded to the scene. “She’s grown a foot.”
Baby Vianca is now two-and-a-half years old. Her rehabilitation will continue for years, but the connection between her family and CCFR will last forever.
Santa arrived at the school/day care in one of the agency’s fire trucks. He handed toys to each, and everyone enjoyed meals provided by Sal Luliano’s Cucina and Vianca’s family.
Gill jumped into the black water and spent minutes reaching under the vessel before he finally grabbed a leg. When she was taken to the surface, she was gray with no pulse or blood pressure.
Gill had to be resuscitated as well because he had ingested so much water.
Hutchins immediately started CPR as the father and son pulled Gill on board. When they got to shore, other CCFR firefighters instantly continued CPR and quickly transported her to Baptist Medical Center Clay.
Then her hand twitched. Baby Vianca suddenly found new life.
In the process, rescuers embraced the opportunity to see how their work matters. They also learned that miracles sometimes defy science and explanation.
Hutchins and Gill were honored by the Florida House of Representatives with a standing ovation on Oct. 9.
For the first time in 15 months, all her heroes got to hold their tiny miracle. They got to see her precious smile. Most of all, they got the rare chance to know what they do really matters.