Sep 04, 2020
NEW ORLEANS – Veterans of Foreign Wars National Commander Harold “Hal” Roesch II presented the VFW Life Saving Award to two St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies today at St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Department.
St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies Alexis Agnelly and Paul Quick received the esteemed award for heroic life-saving actions in the line of duty.
During a routine dispatch to St. Rose, Agnelly and Quick encountered a man who had been acting erratically while walking on the levee. The deputies quickly accessed the situation noticing mental health concerns. The man tried to evade them entering the Mississippi River unclothed, however, Agnelly and Quick chased and restrained him in the shallow waters before he could have seriously injured or killed himself.
“Deputies Agnelly and Quick are living examples of who our nation’s first responders truly must be in our communities today,” said Roesch. “Their selflessness, heroism and valor displayed at a moment’s notice to help save lives, is not only a testament to their character as deputies of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, but as caring and dedicated citizens of this great community.”
Both Agnelly and Quick thanked Roesch for the award and explained that they were simply doing their jobs of protecting their fellow St. Charles Parish citizens.
"Very appreciative of this award. I am a resident of this parish and it means the world to me to serve its citizens and work for such a great department," said Agnelly.
Quick echoed Agnelly’s sentiments.
“There's no greater feeling than to serve as a police officer,” said Quick.
The VFW has honored our nation’s outstanding first responders with the VFW Life Saving Award since 2013. The award is simply a way for the VFW to formally thank the amazing efforts of men and women nationwide for going above the call of duty.
The VFW encourages all members to recognize local law enforcement, emergency medical technicians and firefighters through its Public Servant Award program. Find out more from your Post safety chairman or visit the community service section of the training and support hub at vfw.org.