Latest news with #NewSmyrnaBeach
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Veteran creates wall at New Smyrna Beach Walmart to honor other veterans
A man in Volusia County has made it his mission to never forget the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Now he's telling others about the lessons of such sacrifice one picture at a time. Two years ago, Army veteran Matt Williams created a wall of honor for these fallen men and women at the New Smyrna Beach Walmart, where he works as a loss prevention manager. The wall is dedicated to those who are serving, have served, and those who never came home. There are dozens of faces on that wall from all branches of the military - each with a story to tell. 'All of them up there are my brothers and sisters,' Williams said. Williams said he and his store manager got together and decided they needed to do something more for these service members. 'I just want to honor everybody that's been in the military. Anybody that's served, I just want to honor them because I'm a veteran and I know what it was like,' he said. Sixteen veterans work at the Walmart on State Road 44, so it is personal for them. Some helped make the wall, painted it and built its flag. The wall has grown over its two years so far. It was a labor of love to remember and keep the lessons of sacrifice and commitment to this country alive. Williams said he wants those who see the wall to understand their sacrifice, as well as the sacrifices made by their families. Williams' goal is to fill the wall of honor, then to create another one. If you are a member of the military or have a loved one in the military, you can contact the store. They will proudly display the picture. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Volusia deputies, New Smyrna Beach police detail response to stabbing rescue
The Brief A man stabbed in New Smyrna Beach is recovering thanks to a fast response by officers. The suspect was arrested, but the motive remains unknown. Real-time 911 access was key to the rescue effort. NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. - The first responders who helped save a man after a stabbing in New Smyrna Beach are now sharing how their swift actions helped stabilize the victim and prevent further harm. What we know A man was stabbed in the neck in New Smyrna Beach and survived thanks to rapid response by local law enforcement. Volusia County Sheriff's Sgt. Brandon King was monitoring the live 911 system and was just half a mile away when the call came in. He and officers from the New Smyrna Beach Police Department arrived quickly, applying emergency aid until paramedics could take over. The suspect, Cory Cotton, was arrested at the scene and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. What we don't know Authorities have yet to determine a motive behind the attack. Investigators said Cotton did not provide any explanation or statements when taken into custody. What they're saying Volusia County Sheriff's Sgt. Brandon King was just a half-mile away when a call about a stabbing came in through the agency's live 911 system. King, listening in real-time, acted immediately. "It's pretty crucial, because instead of waiting for dispatch, you can start going there," he said. King arrived alongside New Smyrna Beach police officers and found the man bleeding from a neck wound. Body camera footage, which has been blurred due to graphic content, shows the victim remaining conscious and even assisting first responders. "I need to get my head above my heart or my neck is going to keep bleeding," the man told them. Officers applied a bandage to slow the bleeding while securing the scene for EMS, who arrived shortly after. "We did what we could to keep the bleeding under control until the paramedics got there," King said. The alleged attacker, Cory Cotton, was arrested at the scene and later charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Investigators said the motive behind the attack remains unclear, and Cotton did not make any statements during the arrest. "This is what we signed up to do," said King. "To help every individual within not only the city, but this county and the state of Florida." What's next The victim remains hospitalized but is recovering. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by the New Smyrna Beach Police Department and the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.
