3 men to be recognized by police chief

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) - Three individuals will receive special recognition by the Hampton Police Department following their efforts to save a sinking vessel.

Hampton Chief of Police Chuck Jordan will present Letters of Recognition to Paul Thurkette, his son Liam, 15, and family friend Chad Nourdeen, 14, for their "life-saving efforts" that took place on April 8, 2012 at Wallace Marina in Hampton.

The three men helped bring occupants of a sinking vessel ashore before Hampton Fire and Rescue Division arrived.

According to Hampton Police, two occupants were holding on to the ship and two others were floating nearby. Paul drove his boat to the scene, while Liam and Chad jumped into the water and distributed life jackets. The capsized vessel's occupants were brought safely to shore by the three men.

Jordan will present the award to the men on Wednesday, June 6 at 3 p.m.