Tampa solid waste driver recognized for finding lost toddler

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The City of Tampa says a solid waste driver “went above and beyond” to help a mother find her lost child.

Mayor Jane Castor presented David Llanos with the Life Changer Award for springing into action on March 19.

Llanos encountered a distraught mother along his route who said she was looking for her toddler. He stopped and helped search for the boy until he found him a block away from his home.

He then reunited the boy with his mother.

“I could not be prouder of David Llanos for noticing something was wrong and stepping in to help,” Solid Waste Director Larry Washington said in a statement. “His heroic actions reflect our team’s dedication to the community and reinforces our role as first responders.”

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