Aasish Selvaraj, 12, of Montgomery County, received a Governor’s Citation from Lt. Governor Aruna Miller and Governor Wes Moore, Maryland’s highest authorities, in appreciation of his outstanding bravery during a flash flood rescue in Bethesda last month.
After saving himself and five others—including a toddler—from potentially fatal situations, Aasish received official recognition. Lt. Governor Aruna Miller described Aasish as a real-life hero while sharing his story. At the crossroads of Bradley Boulevard and Mercy Hollow Lane in Bethesda, on Thursday, July 31, Aasish, his family, and other people were in an SUV when surging floodwaters washed it off the road.
When Montgomery County Police notified responding Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) units of a second vehicle that was now completely submerged, the situation became more serious. When first responders saw Aasish standing on the roof of the second car, it was an absolutely heart-stopping moment. Aasish had shown extraordinary bravery and fast thinking by clambering out of a window while holding a two-year-old toddler. Until rescue crews could arrive, he clung desperately to a tree branch across 200 feet of rushing water.
All six individuals, including Aasish and the 2-year-old, were safely removed from the dangerous situation thanks to the quick and well-coordinated actions of the MCFRS Swift Water Rescue teams. When Aasish was reunited with the rescue crew a few days later, one firefighter’s words encapsulated the emotion of the moment: “He’s a hero.”
Jayaraman, Aasish’s father, sent a $10,000 payment to MCFRS earlier this month, describing it as a little gesture to show his family’s appreciation for the valiant and life-saving rescue efforts.
