Jefferson County EMS members honored for rescue

LOUISVILLE — Two members of Jefferson County Emergency Medical Services have been honored for helping rescue four people from the Ohio River after their boat capsized. 

Matthew Staples and Phil Duvall were cited Tuesday by Jefferson County Fiscal Court. Staples is an emergency radio dispatcher for the county, and Duvall is a paramedic. 

Jefferson County Judge-Executive Rebecca Jackson thanked the men for their heroism, then presented them with plaques for outstanding service. Both men were off duty April 15 and on different boats with friends and family enjoying the annual Thunder Over Louisville air and fireworks show when they realized something was wrong. 

Staples spotted a boat that had capsized, spilling its five passengers into the river. He jumped into the river to attempt a rescue. About the same time, Duvall noticed that one passenger was being swept downstream in the current. He, too, jumped into the river to attempt a rescue. While in the water, he saw another body float by and alerted authorities.

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