Chief Presley rewards 4 firefighters for water rescue

HATTIESBURG, Miss - The Hattiesburg Fire Department (HFD) recognized 4 of their swift water rescue team members with the Medal of Merit on Monday during a city hall meeting.

HFD's Fire Chief Paul Presley honored Captain Matt Saucier, Engineer Sam Caldwell and 2 firefighters Ricky Shepphard and Matt Patterson.

"They saved four people's lives, literally saved people's lives, almost drowned" said Chief Presley.

"One person was hanging on top of the tree, the others were on top of their cars" said Chief Presley.

The team rescued four individuals during the March 11 floods in Forrest County near Black Creek.

Captain Saucier said, "It is our job it is something that we do everyday. We get called to do something, we go do it, we fall back on our training and we work as team. Ultimately we want everyone to go home safely, both us and the victims."

Between March 11 - March 13 HFD rescued 24 people.