Before August 14, 2010, C.P. Parker Jr., 53, of North Myrtle Beach and Richard B. Bennett, 60, of Charlotte, NC never met one another. But that did not stop Parker from saving Bennett's life as he laid unconscious drowning in the Atlantic Ocean.
"I think I did what anyone would have done," said Parker while holding his Carnegie Hero Fund Commission certificate.
Each year since 1904, the commission spotlights 25 every day heroes around the nation who have no lifesaving training but still react courageously during life threatening situations. Parker received his honors from the commission Saturday.
On the afternoon Bennett and Parker met, a strong tidal current swept Bennett out into the ocean, and Parker who was nearby fishing in an inlet on his 14-foot fiberglass skiff took his boat out to sea to save Bennett.
When he finally reached Bennett, Parker tried to pull him into his boat, and as he did, his boat capsized putting both men in the water.
"It all seemed to slow down for me at that moment," said Parker. "It was a lot calmer than I expected the situation to be."
Parker managed to free his anchor and used the boat as a floatation device to support Bennett and himself.
Megan Allen, 25, of Raleigh, NC then arrived in her motorized boat to assist Parker, but she was left without power when a line that she threw to Parker got caught in her motor.
She held on to Bennett keeping him on the boat as the three drifted back to shore. Allen also received the same honors from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission.
Bennett recovered and was taken to the hospital for observation.
On receiving his honor from the commission, Parker decided to go to work today.
August 20, 2010 to him was no different than any other day, he said. "I'm happy it worked out the way it did for his sake and for mine."
The two men speak every six months or so, said Parker.
On Father's Day this year, Bennett and his wife Sue sent Parker a thank you card. A note inside the card says, "Hope you have a great day! You are the most heroic father I know. I am forever grateful. -Rick"
