CRYSTAL RIVER, FL (352today.com) – Call it fate. Call it destiny. Call it a miracle. Whatever you call it, a Girl Scout from the 352 was in the right place at the right time and is being called a hero for saving a young boy from drowning last summer.
Her actions attracted the attention of Girl Scouts USA.
17-year-old Elizabeth Fiore of Crystal River earned the Medal of Honor for her quick-thinking and bravery that saved a little boy who was struggling to swim.
What Happened
On June 29, 2023, Fiore was on a rafting trip on the Colorado River with Troop 14261. Troop leaders Stephanie Glover and Debbie Greer say Fiore was reluctant to go on the adventure.
“This is the first time she’s ever been away from her parents, and been away from home, and she has a fear of water. So, she wasn’t even sure if she wanted to do the rafting trip. She overcame a lot of fears and kind of put herself outside of her comfort level to do this trip,” said Glover.
“I’m really glad that I went. I really did not want to go at first. It was a lot of persuading from my mother,” admitted Fiore.
As Fiore and the girls were in the water when she noticed a boy struggling and pulling a friend down with him. Fiore who has been in scouts since she was five years old immediately put her years of experience to the test.
She quickly grabbed a lifebuoy and tossed it towards the boy.
“In that moment there wasn’t really anything going through my head. I just knew that I had to do something,” recounted Fiore. “I didn’t really think. I just did what I knew to do.”
Greer says Fiore really went above and beyond.
“For her to do all of this was amazing to begin with and then when she assisted with the first aid, was very concerned with the boy trying to follow up and making sure that he was okay,” added Greer. “The other girls in our troop were very proud of her, they admired her for taking the actions, and I think she sets a really good example for our area.”
The Medal of Honor is one of the highest honors in Girls Scouts and it’s awarded for acts of courage. They’re not handed out liberally. Mary Pat King has been the CEO of the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida for four years. When she pinned the medal on Fiore’s vest on Jan. 31, it was her first time awarding the medal.
“It was a very emotional and wonderful experience because I was so proud. I’m so proud of all of our Girl Scouts but when they do something this heroic, it’s just amazing,” said King. “In Girl Scouts we build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place, and Elizabeth’s quick-thinking actions really demonstrate the culmination of that progression of girl scouting.”
King added that Fiore’s humility really speaks to her character.
“It really wasn’t just me, so I didn’t have this mindset that I saved his life. It was a group effort,” said Fiore.
Fiore realizes the award represents something bigger than herself.
“When I put on the vest, I have the Medal of Honor literally just sitting right there. I’m very proud to be wearing it. I think since Girl Scouts teaches you to be able to get stuff like that, more girls have the capability to be able to achieve it,” shared Fiore.
“She is an amazing asset to our troop. She’s just an amazing role model, and I think this incident painted that picture of what a role model she can be,” said Glover.
On May 14, Citrus County Commissioners will issue a proclamation recognizing Fiore’s heroic response and lifesaving efforts.