Monday night, several firefighters and police officers were honored for their roles in saving lives in the Barefoot wildfire that burned in late April.
The city of North Myrtle Beach recognized public safety personnel from the police and fire divisions for their bravery and contributions during April's wildfire.
Lawton Dews, a resident of Barefoot Resort, said that when he heard how the officers risked their own lives to evacuate and save others, he decided they deserved more recognition.
"Getting everybody out, assisting people that couldn't get out on their own power, and doing other things that really was a great threat to themselves and the fire people taking preventative measures to keep that fire from spreading," said Dews.
Dews wrote our state's US senators and both Senator Jim DeMint and Senator Lindsey Graham responded with letters commending the officers for their actions.
Dews read the letters during the council meeting and presented each of the seven men with a plaque in recognition of their work.
Four police officers and three fire officials were commended at the meeting. The officers said they were proud and honored by the recognition for something that they do everyday.
"Oh, it's always great to receive an award for recognition of things that we do on a regular basis," Chief Tom Barstow, with North Myrtle Beach Fire.
"I'm very proud, very proud. Mr. Dews, he wanted to recognize what we had done, and we thank him and the city," said Lt. William Guy Johnson with North Myrtle Beach Police.
These men received several standing ovations during the meeting for their hard work and heroic efforts during the wildfires.
The April wildfire scorched more than 1,900 acres and burned around 70 homes.
