When 72‑year‑old Bill Von Herbulis rolled his electric wheelchair to the private dock at the Minorca condominium community in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, he expected a quiet evening of crabbing and fishing. Instead, a sudden tumble sent him into shark‑filled water, and a local deputy’s quick action saved his life.
Rescue at a shark‑infested dock
At about 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 27, Von Herbulis’s gear‑laden wagon struck a dock box, causing his wheelchair to jackknife and topple. The high tide allowed him to grab an electrical conduit pipe jutting between boat slips, but he quickly realized he was alone, with no one nearby to help.
“Help!” he shouted, but the empty dock offered no answer. After several frantic calls for assistance, an anonymous angler reported a possible drowning to 911. By 9 p.m., Sgt. William Leven and Deputy Boris Rodriguez arrived, found the overturned wheelchair, and saw Von Herbulis struggling to keep his head above water.
Deputy Leven’s daring water entry
Leven shed his gun holster belt, secured a sheriff’s office buoy, and entered the water, carefully navigating sharp oyster shells and barnacle‑covered dock pylons. He reached the floating wheelchair, retrieved a bag of Von Herbulis’s belongings, and, with help from bystanders, hauled the senior fisherman up the dock stairs and back into his electric chair.
Von Herbulis, who has been unable to stand since a neck injury 19 years ago, declined medical attention and returned home that night, joking that the sharks “didn’t want me.” His wife, Lori, praised the deputy’s bravery, calling him “our angel.”
Recognition for heroism
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office posted video of the rescue on Facebook and announced that Sgt. Leven will receive a Lifesaving Award for his selfless act. The department highlighted the importance of rapid response and community vigilance, especially in areas where wildlife encounters are common.
Shark activity in the area
According to Tracking Sharks, a global shark‑incident database, there have been 44 shark bites worldwide in 2026, with eight fatalities. Florida leads the United States in unprovoked shark encounters, reporting 13 bites this year, none fatal. Experts from the International Shark Attack File advise swimmers to avoid water at dawn or dusk, stay with a buddy, and keep splash to a minimum.
Von Herbulis, an avid fisherman and hunter, often catches sharks near his favorite spot, noting that he has fallen into the water twice before. He attributes his safe return to calmness and quick thinking, as well as the decisive action of the deputies.
Community impact
The rescue underscores the close‑knit nature of Volusia County’s coastal communities, where law‑enforcement officers frequently assist residents in both safety and everyday challenges. Residents expressed gratitude for the deputy’s courage, reinforcing the department’s role as a trusted protector of public safety.
As the sheriff’s office celebrates Sgt. Leven’s award, the story serves as a reminder of the risks inherent to Florida’s shoreline and the importance of vigilant, faith‑guided service to protect families and uphold the values that bind the community together.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
