Photo Release: Coast Guard recognizes Norfolk Fire and Rescue Captain, Police Officer for heroism

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 01/23/2018 08:42 PM EST

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U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
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Coast Guard recognizes Norfolk Fire and Rescue Captain, Police Officer for heroism

 Rear Adm. Meredith Austin, commander, 5th Coast Guard District, congratulates Norfolk Police Officer David Dubus after presenting him the United States Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award in Norfolk, Jan. 23, 2018. Dubus and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Capt. William Sigafoos were awarded for heroism, leadership and public service during the rescue of three distressed swimmers near Ocean View Park in Norfolk, May 17, 2017. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nate Littlejohn/Released)

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Capt. Richard Wester, commander, Sector Hampton Roads, presents the United States Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award to Norfolk Fire and Rescue Capt. William Sigafoos (right) in Norfolk, Jan. 23, 2018. Sigafoos and Norfolk Police Officer David Dubus were awarded for heroism, leadership and public service during the rescue of three distressed swimmers near Ocean View Park in Norfolk, May 17, 2017. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nate Littlejohn/Released)

Rear Adm. Meredith Austin, commander, 5th Coast Guard District, shares a moment with Norfolk Police Officer David Dubus while presenting him the United States Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award in Norfolk, Jan. 23, 2018. Dubus and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Capt. William Sigafoos were awarded for heroism, leadership and public service during the rescue of three distressed swimmers near Ocean View Park in Norfolk, May 17, 2017. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nate Littlejohn/Released)

 

NORFOLK, Va. — The Coast Guard recognized a Norfolk Fire and Rescue Captain and a Norfolk Police Officer Tuesday at Norfolk City Hall for their roles in bringing three people to safety in May 2017.

Rear Adm. Meredith Austin, commander, 5th Coast Guard District and Capt. Richard Wester, commander, Sector Hampton Roads, presented Norfolk Fire and Rescue Capt. William Sigafoos and Norfolk Police Officer David Dubus with the United States Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award during a Norfolk City Council meeting held at 7 p.m.

Sigafoos and Dubus were awarded for heroism, leadership and public service during the rescue of three distressed swimmers near Ocean View Park in Norfolk, May 19, 2017.

Sigafoos and Dubus put on life jackets and swam approximately half mile to two children and one adult who were struggling to stay afloat. Sigafoos realized one child was in need of immediate medical assistance. He swam the child back to shore, talking to her along the way to make sure she stayed awake. He placed her in the care of EMS back on shore. Dubus remained with the one child and adult, treading water and helping them stay afloat before a response boat from Coast Guard Station Little Creek arrived on scene and recovered them.

"The U.S. Coast Guard is honored to work with partner agencies like Norfolk Fire and Rescue and the Norfolk Police Department," said Austin. "We are proud to serve alongside dedicated professionals like Capt. Sigafoos and Officer Dubus who, without hesitation, took lifesaving actions before we arrived on scene."

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