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Gregory Simmonds

ICE · Officer

ICE in Tampa

ICE · Off-duty lifesaver

Off-duty at a pool party, ICE Officer Gregory Simmonds jumped in fully clothed and brought a child back to breathing

May 16, 2026 · Wesley Chapel, Florida

Officer Gregory Simmonds of ICE in Tampa.

Photo credit: U.S. Department of Homeland Security photo

On the evening of May 16, 2026, Officer Gregory Simmonds of ICE in Tampa was off duty at his son's team pool party in Wesley Chapel, Florida, when he saw a 6-year-old child unresponsive in the water.

Simmonds jumped in fully clothed, with his shoes, phone and keys still on him. He carried the child out of the pool and began CPR, and a nurse who was at the party helped. After about two minutes, the child began breathing again.

The child spent two days in the hospital and made a full recovery. The child's mother sent Officer Simmonds a thank-you.

The Department of Homeland Security shared the rescue in a June 2026 news release.

Read the original releaseDHS news release

Photos are official U.S. government images, lightly cleaned for clarity only. Nothing was added or changed in the scene.

These highlights retell public news from official U.S. government sources and use official U.S. government photos, with credit. The people shown did not sign up with Guards6, and sharing their stories does not mean they or their agencies endorse us. Stories and personal photos nominated to Guards6 are published only with permission. Guards6 is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, the National Guard, the Department of Defense, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security, or any police department.

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