Video: Tampa Bay Firefighter Attacked By Alligator

A Tampa area firefighter had to fight off an alligator who attacked him in a lake.

Juan Carlos LaVerde is a United States Air Force veteran and firefighter/paramedic for Oldsmar Fire Rescue. He was preparing for an athletic event by swimming in Lake Thonotosassa. A drone pilot, Matt Ross, was there to record La Verde for the event’s promotional video.

While swimming close to the shore, a 12 foot alligator came upon LaVerde and bit him on the head and chest! The gator attack was captured by the drone.

The Tampa Bay firefighter survived this alligator attack by using all his strength to pull open the beast’s jaws. If you believe in miracles, then this might be considered one. However, just as quickly as the gator attacked, it disappeared. LaVerde managed to make it to the nearest dock where the homeowner called 911.

LaVerde was taken to Tampa General Hospital and underwent a six-hour surgery. He had serious injuries to his skull and jaw. It’s going to be a long road to recovery for LaVerde, but this firefighter is also a triathlete. He has the physical and mental strength to succeed. His co-workers have set up a Go Fund Me page to help pay the bills while LaVerde gets better. [SOURCE Creative Loafing/New York Post]

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