Two Parish Employees Recognized for Heroic Actions

Washington Parish Transportation employees Gary Nathaniel Sumrall and Shirley Lynn Cox were recognized Monday evening (January 14, 2019) at the Washington Parish Council meeting for saving the life of a stranded man on top of a vehicle during the flood event of November, 2018. The two were scouting parish roads and, while in a flooded area, they saw headlights and heard cries for help. They were unable to reach the elderly man in their first attempt. Returning to their vehicle, Sumrall retrieved and used a 50-foot length of hose to save the partially submerged man. The two then treated the man for hypothermia until assistance arrived to get the man to the hospital.

Their heroic actions were taken under very challenging conditions: in a flooded area, strong water currents, and in the dark. Immediate action was needed and, with perseverance and heroism, immediate action was take and they saved a life.