Security Guard is Honored for Being a True Disney Hero

Want to start the day with a heartwarming story? Check out how a true Disney hero was honored at Walt Disney World.

Disney Heroes Award

The Walt Disney Company looks for ways to honor those Cast Members who go above and beyond. There are also so many ways for Guests to honor Cast Members as well. Check out these great ideas HERE.

In 2008, the Walt Disney Company developed the Disney Heroes Award program. This program sets out to honor those Cast Members who help save a life or prevent serious injury.

Walt Disney Company shares the emphasis for this award: “Emergency preparedness and safety are highly valued here at Disney, so much so that a special award- the Disney Heroes Award- was introduced to recognize employees who save a life or prevent serious injuries.”

Cast Members may receive this award for performing heroic acts both inside and outside of the Walt Disney Company. Cast Members across the globe have received this prestigious award as nominated by fellow Cast Members.

Security Cast Member Honored

Jeff Vahle, Walt Disney World President, shared the heroic journey of Joe Diaz via Instagram.

Vahle shared, “On his way home last December, EPCOT Security Cast Member, Joe Diaz, leapt into a pond, entered a partially flooded car, and kept a trapped four-year-old’s head above water until emergency teams could arrive to free him.”

Vahle continued, “This week, it was my honor to join Vice President of Security, Linda Reid, and Vice President of EPCOT, Kartika Rodriguez, in recognizing Joe with the Disney Heroes Award, given to Cast members who save life or prevent serious injury. What an amazing individual!”

“Joe Diaz, leapt into a pond, entered a partially flooded car, and kept a trapped four-year-olds head above water until emergency teams could arrive to free him.”

Jeff Vahle

We congratulate Joe Diaz in receiving this Disney Heroes Award. His heroic effort truly created a “Happily Ever After” for this four-year-old and the family.

Do you know of a Cast Member who is a “Disney Hero”? How have you shown appreciation for a Cast Member who has made your vacation even more magical? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook Page.