U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) honored Officer Specialist Kelsey Dalton of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Dominic Yacca, a bartender and former Marine, as FL-17 MVPs.
Their remarkable actions in a rescue have demonstrated extraordinary bravery and selflessness, significantly impacting their community.
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Officer Specialist Dalton and Dominic Yacca were instrumental in rescuing a 69-year-old man whose car had driven off a seawall and into the Intracoastal Waterway near the Albee Bridge.
Arriving at the scene promptly, Officer Dalton jumped into the water and swam to the vehicle. Meanwhile, Dominic Yacca, having witnessed the incident from his nearby workplace, also leapt into action. Together, they broke the car’s rear window and successfully extracted the driver.
“Officer Specialist Dalton and Dominic Yacca exemplify the spirit of heroism and community service. Their quick response and courage undoubtedly prevented a tragedy from occurring,” said Congressman Steube. “Their actions reflect the very best of our community, and I am honored to present them with this recognition.”
The FWC noted that “Other than minor scratches and bruises, everyone involved was OK,” highlighting the successful outcome of their efforts. Yacca, reflecting on the event, shared, “He was somebody’s father, brother… he was somebody. I said I’m going to do the best I can. We’re not going to fail here.”
Officer Specialist Dalton and Dominic Yacca will be presented with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol, a feature in Rep. Steube’s weekly newsletter, and a Congressional certificate as a token of appreciation for their service.
The MVP program honors individuals from the 17th Congressional District who have made outstanding contributions to the community. The purpose of this award is to celebrate those who go above and beyond in their dedication to making a positive impact.
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