Beaufort, Port Royal firefighters honored during annual awards

During its annual holiday and awards party Dec. 12, Beaufort-Port Royal Fire Department recognized more than 20 firefighters for life-saving efforts this year.

Outgoing Fire Chief Sammy Negron was also recognized with a career achievement award. In all, 22 firefighters were recognized, most for administering CPR.

Firefighter Brittany Thorson was recognized for rescuing a boy caught in rough surf on Hunting Island while she was off-duty with the fire department and working as a lifeguard. Among the others recognized were: Capt. Reese Bertholf, Capt. Larry Deloach, Lt. Chip Cooler, Lt. Peter Singleton, Lt. Gary Guldner, Lt. Ross Vezin and firefighters Matt Bowsher, John Garber, Josh Waskow, Derrick Howard, Matt Staley, Clint Holmes, Brett Johnson and Hunter Van Dam.

This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 5:28 PM with the headline "Beaufort, Port Royal firefighters honored during annual awards."