PORT ST. LUCIE, FL (August 7, 2026). Democratic congressional candidate Bernard Taylor, who is seeking to represent Florida's 21st Congressional District on the Treasure Coast, has been selected to receive the 2025 Lifesaving Award of the Year from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue in recognition of his role in a remarkable lifesaving emergency involving a young equestrian whose recovery has inspired first responders throughout South Florida.
Taylor is being honored for his actions during an emergency in Jupiter Farms involving a young girl who was thrown from her horse while riding. When Palm Beach County Fire Rescue crews arrived, the child was unresponsive, experiencing seizures, and exhibiting signs of a traumatic brain injury. During the race to the hospital, firefighters administered a plasma transfusion in the field, an advanced intervention credited with helping save her life. After spending weeks in a coma followed by months of intensive rehabilitation, the young rider has made an extraordinary recovery. Today, she is back on horseback, training and preparing to compete again. Fire Rescue officials have described her recovery as exceptionally rare for someone who suffered injuries of that magnitude.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue's Lifesaving Award recognizes individuals whose actions reflect courage, selflessness, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to protecting human life. Taylor will be recognized during the 2024/2025 Awards Ceremony on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401.
The announcement comes just weeks before Florida's Democratic Primary Election on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Voters will return to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the General Election to choose their next representative for Florida's 21st Congressional District.
For Taylor, the recognition reflects a lifetime dedicated to serving others. Long before launching his campaign for Congress, Taylor built a reputation for putting people first, responding when his community needed him most, and leading through action.
"Receiving this award is truly humbling because it represents something far greater than me," said Taylor. "That day, every second mattered. My thoughts were with that young girl and her family, and I am grateful to have played a role alongside the incredible firefighters, paramedics, and medical professionals whose quick actions helped save her life. Seeing her back on a horse and preparing to compete again is nothing short of a miracle. This recognition reminds me that public service is ultimately about showing up for people when they need you the most."
Taylor is campaigning on a platform focused on expanding economic opportunity, strengthening public safety, protecting Social Security and Medicare, supporting veterans, improving access to quality healthcare, and delivering results for working families throughout Florida's Treasure Coast.
"Public service begins long before holding elected office," Taylor added. "Whether serving one person or serving an entire congressional district, my mission remains the same: to make a positive difference in people's lives."
With the August 18 Democratic Primary rapidly approaching, Taylor continues meeting with residents, faith leaders, veterans, small business owners, and community organizations throughout the Treasure Coast, sharing his vision for a stronger future and a government that puts people first.
Media Contact
Cristina Pasquino
Communications Director, Bernard Taylor for Congress
(561) 271-7240