LC commends 4 firemen for saving an old man from drowning

LAOAG CITY, Aug. 10 (PIA) – The City Government of Laoag has commended four fire officers for rescuing a fisherman of San Nicolas town who nearly drowned in the Laoag City Padsan River on Monday.

Mayor Chevylle Farinas said that the award aims to honor the courage of the fire officers who showed exemplary deeds worth emulating.

F/CI Bonifacio Sacatrapos, Jr., Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief in Ilocos Norte, recommended their commendation saying he was very pleased with his men’s exceptional courage and resourcefulness in dealing with the incident.

“The bravery and extraordinary performance shown by the rescuers which resulted to a successful operation in saving the life of Mr. Alfredo Manuel deserves to be acknowledged,” Sacatrapos said.

Survivor Manuel, 60, together with four companions, were fishing at the Padsan River in Laoag City when he was suddenly swept away by a strong current of the river.

One of the companions who immediately swam across the river called for help at the office of the BFP where the fire officers namely: Reynante F. Bismonte, Joemel Raval, Vergel T. Ramos and Dexter A. Calvan immediately took initiative to do the daring rescue operation.

The rescuers conducted the operation with resourcefulness using their life jacket and lifebuoy and were successful in saving Manuel from drowning.

The rescuers immediately took the victim to the hospital for proper treatment.
The award of commendation is usually given to any resident of Laoag City who has done exemplary services and goodness to the city and his fellowmen.

“It is also meant for ordinary act of goodness and kindness. To become outstanding, you need not be in a highly-placed job. You only need to do good. I believe that good people are like diamonds who give honor to the place where they live. As we all say, you can be a hero by just doing one good deed in a day,” Fariṅas said in earlier interview. (CHERRY JOY D. GARMA/ PIA-1, Ilocos Norte)