I.U.P.A. Local Volusia Watermen’s Association, #6039 Members Lifeguards Declan Outlaw and Thomas McGibney received the Medal of Valor from the United States Lifesaving Association for rescuing four victims who had fallen off a jetty and were clinging to the rocks during a storm.
United States Lifesaving Association posted on social media, “Bi-annually, at every Board of Directors Meeting, the Heroic Acts Committee reviews submissions of amazing water rescues, lifesaving medical actions, and extreme examples of lifesaving teamwork, by USLA members, lifeguards, and occasionally non-lifeguards. The USLA’s highest honor is the Medal of Valor, awarded to an individual lifeguard who risks their life, to an extraordinary degree, in saving or attempting to save another person.”
Their post continued, “In November, the USLA awarded four Medals of Valor at our Fall Board of Directors Meeting. Two of the recipients are Declan Outlaw and Thomas McGibney of Volusia County, FL. The Daytona Beach duo rescued four victims, including a child, who had fallen off a jetty and were clinging to the rocks during a lightning and hailstorm. Despite the extreme peril created by the horrific conditions, the rescuers battled the elements during three separate trips using a personal rescue watercraft (PRWC) to bring all the victims to safety. In addition to the Medal of Valor, the pair received a proclamation from the Volusia County Council for the rescue. Again, congratulations USLA members Tom McGibney and Declan Outlaw for their extraordinary service and utmost courage in the face of life-threatening conditions.”
I.U.P.A. Local Volusia Watermen’s Association, #6039 posted on social media, “Well deserved accolades for these humble public servants. We train like lives depend on it to master the 47 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline in our county and answer the calls for help no matter the conditions.”
The I.U.P.A. and LEORF Hero Spotlight shines a light on LEOs whose heroism, quick thinking, and dedication are examples to those in our profession and remind us all why we put on the uniform every day. If you would like to submit an LEO for consideration for a Hero Spotlight, email [email protected].
