TAMPA, Fla., (WFLA) – In August, 8 On Your Side shared a story about how two Tampa Police Officers bravely entered a burning house to rescue a man. On Wednesday, they each received recognition for their courageous deeds.
The award ceremony took place at the Tampa Convention Center.
Both officers said they did not think twice about running into the home that night, their only thought was they needed to get everyone out alive.
At the packed award ceremony, both officers were met with rounds of applause and Medals of Valor for saving the 72-year-old man.
Footage from Officer Mark Neptune’s body camera on August 9 captures him conversing with the victim’s family before entering the fiery house. The victim’s sister urgently shouts that her brother remains inside, in the living room.
Officer Neptune was the first on scene to the call of the burning home on North Highlands Avenue.
“The smoke was so thick that visibility was reduced to just three feet, so I began calling out to confirm someone was inside, but I couldn’t determine where they were,” he explained.
Officer Neptune said in that moment, he knew he had to find the voice yelling for help.
“As we continued calling, I heard him, but his location was unknown, and it kept worrying me that if I didn’t get him out alive, it would haunt me forever,” he expressed.
Officer Neptune, together with Master Police Officer William Mechler, entered the smoke-filled house, crouched down, and began searching diligently.
“Witnessing Mark’s courage to dash into that building motivated me to apply what I knew—get as low as possible and try to locate the individual,” Master Police Officer Mechler remarked.
“Will came in, got low, crawled in, that’s when we were able to see where the guy actually was, we went back and got enough air to get in, and we went in, grabbed him, and drug him out,” Officer Neptune said.
The two of them were able to successfully get the man out of the home, and reunite him with his sister.
“She was overwhelmed with joy to see her brother. It was great to see everybody made it out okay,” Master Police Officer Mechler said.
They both said it is a huge honor to have received the awards, but what made putting their lives at risk that night was saving a life.
“The ultimate goal of law enforcement is the protection of human life, and I think that day we succeed,” Master Police Officer Mechler said.
TPD said a Medal of Valor is one of the highest awards an officer can get.
