Russell County’s Joey Murray was a recipient of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District “Star of Life” Award.
Late in the evening of July 25, Murray spotted a capsized 16-foot boat in the tailwaters of the Wolf Creek Power Plant in Jamestown. Three people had been thrown into the dangerously cold, fast-moving water.
While two were able to self-rescue, the third person was showing signs of hypothermia and was overcome by the current.
Murray acted instantly, closing the open sluice gate to calm the water and throwing a life ring at the victim. He kept the individual alert and engaged until a rescue boat arrived, saving the person’s life.
Murray received the award for his life-saving actions during a ceremony at the Nashville office last week.
