Heroes come in many forms, and sometimes we don’t recognize them until they’re called into action.

When we think of heroes, we often imagine someone in a profession like a firefighter or police officer. While anyone can be a hero, these individuals often find themselves in situations where they can become one.

One such scenario is when a child goes missing—a situation that brings immense stress to any parent. This was the case in Ontario County, New York, when a 2-year-old girl disappeared from her home, prompting a community-wide search.

State Trooper Brian Hotchkiss was heading home after his shift when he heard the alert on the radio. Without hesitation, he joined the search effort.

Initially, the search involved knocking on doors, hoping the child had wandered to a neighbor’s house. As darkness fell, concerns grew, and the search strategy shifted.

Officer Hotchkiss worried that the girl might be outside in the cold, especially with night approaching. Although they were near her home, he knew there was a wooded mountain nearby that needed to be checked.

Believing a higher vantage point would help, Hotchkiss climbed the mountain, hoping to spot the child. Scanning the area, he initially saw only trees—until he noticed a small pink dot. Remembering the girl was wearing a pink shirt, he hurried toward it.

What happened next was unforgettable. You can watch the video below to learn more about this incredible rescue.