PALM BEACH, FLA. (June 5, 2025)– On Wednesday, May 28th, the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross recognized Leo Vallejo-Bryant, from the Breeze Ocean Kitchen, with a Lifesaving Award for using lifesaving skills to save a life.

Emergencies can happen at any time: in the grocery store, at a family gathering, at the community pool, or even at your own home or office. But regardless of when and where they occur, emergency situations usually have one thing in common: a crowd of people standing around, watching someone in distress, wondering who should act and trying to remember what to do.

February 1st was a normal Saturday at the Breeze Ocean Kitchen in the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa. The Kitchen Manager, Leo Vallejo-Bryant, was performing his normal duties when, without warning, diners stopped what they were doing, noticing that a man was choking. The gentleman’s wife immediately began performing abdominal thrusts, without any response from her choking husband. When Leo learned of the unfolding situation, he responded quickly and calmly to assist the guests without hesitation. Leo may not have received direct Red Cross training, but he had learned the actions needed when someone is choking. He immediately took over the abdominal thrusts and back blows, enabling the gentleman to remove the food and begin to breathe. Following the incident, Leo returned to work without seeking recognition for his selfless act.  Leo’s actions are proof that lifesaving courses can help individuals save lives.

Zachary Detweiller, the AED/CPR instructor for the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, was made aware of the situation through the security report and by the choking victim’s wife, who reached out to the human resources team to express her appreciation for Leo’s efforts in saving her husband. For Leo’s selfless act of bravery and quick action, the American Red Cross is proud to present Mr. Leonardo Vallejo-Bryant with the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action. This award is bestowed upon individuals who step up during a time of emergency to alleviate suffering and save or sustain a life.

"Learning lifesaving skills doesn’t just prepare you for the unexpected, it gives you the power to become someone’s hero," said Traci Mitchell, executive director for the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross had the profound honor of presenting the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action to Mr. Leonardo Vallejo-Bryant for his courageous and selfless act in a moment of crisis. As he accepted the award, a hush fell over the room, until the quiet was broken by the proud voice of his young son, eyes shining with admiration, as he pointed and said, “That’s my dad. He’s a hero.” It is a powerful reminder that true heroism leaves a lasting legacy, not only in the lives we save, but in the hearts of those who look up to us.

Take a First Aid and CPR Course online to learn what to do in case emergency help is delayed. A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session), and classroom courses are also available. To learn more and get started, visit redcross.org/takeaclass.

Nominate Someone

If you know of a local hero in your community or group of individuals who used Red Cross skills or training to save or sustain a life, you can nominate them at LifesavingAwards.org.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/southflorida or visit us on Facebook or X at @SFLRedCross.