First responders who made initial efforts to locate a boy who drowned in Roanoke Rapids Lake earlier this month were honored by the Roanoke Rapids Police Department during this evening’s city council meeting.
They included city police officers, a Halifax County Sheriff’s Office detective and a rescue technician with Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad.
From left, Moseley, Blythe, Morris, Ward and Matthews wait to be recognized.
Lieutenant Bruce Norton of the police department recommended city officers Mike Moseley, Gerald Morris and Scott Blythe be recognized along with sheriff’s office Detective Justin Matthews and Rescue Technician Robert Ward.
In the letter of recommendation of meritorious service Norton wrote on June 7 the men responded to a report of a juvenile, later identified as 16-year-old Bin Jin Guo, drowning at the lake park off Oakwood Avenue. “Upon arriving at the park, the responders removed their duty gear and entered the water to search for the victim without any type of personal safety equipment such as a personal flotation device.”
Norton wrote the responders were guided to the last-known location of the victim by an on-looker. “Once in the approximate area, the responders attempted to feel and dive for the victim in six to 12 feet of water. The responders remained in the cool water searching for approximately 30 minutes until they were relieved by a rescue boat crew from Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad.”
Wrote Norton: “Though their efforts to locate the victim were unsuccessful, their willingness to try exemplifies the courage and dedication that each of these responders puts into their career each and every day for the citizens of Roanoke Rapids.”
Said Roanoke Rapids police Chief Chuck Hasty: “I concur with Lieutenant Norton’s recommendation.”