Three Huntsville Police Department officers were awarded Life-Saving Medals during the Feb. 12 City Council meeting for rescuing a man from frigid, fast-moving floodwaters in December.
Sgt. William Cunningham, Officer Douglas Morris and Officer Kristin Miller were honored for their actions on Dec. 5, 2025, when they entered a swollen north Huntsville creek to save a man suffering from severe hypothermia.
City Council President Jennie Robinson noted the rarity of the recognition.
“We don’t do these very often and it is a real honor to do that now,” Robinson said.
Police Chief Kirk Giles told council members the rescue began around 7:20 a.m. when officers were dispatched to Millvale Drive after a caller reported her brother had left home improperly dressed for near-freezing temperatures.
“Officer Miller, Officer Morris and Sergeant Cunningham all arrived and began searching the area,” Giles said.
During the search, a second caller reported seeing the man jump into a nearby creek that had swollen from recent heavy rain.
“The creek had swollen from recent heavy rains and the water was cold and moving very swiftly,” Giles said.
Officers initially located the man in the creek but lost sight of him because of vegetation and the strong current. About 45 minutes into the response, they found him again stranded on a small patch of grass in the middle of the creek, which had expanded to nearly 100 feet wide.
Officers attempted to persuade the man to come toward shore but quickly realized he was in medical distress.
“He was shaking uncontrollably. He was pale and unable to respond coherently, so they knew the time was critical,” Giles said.
Without hesitation, Cunningham, Morris and Miller removed their equipment and entered the waist-deep water.
“When they reached him he was unable to stand or walk, so they had to carry him through the cold and water was waist deep in the uncertain footing,” Giles said. “They carried him back to the shore and transferred him over to emergency personnel.”
Emergency responders later confirmed the man’s core body temperature had dropped to 90 degrees. Hypothermia typically begins at 95 degrees.
“Medical personnel advised that without immediate intervention, he likely would have not survived,” Giles said. “Their actions were decisive, they were courageous, and they made the difference.”
The Life-Saving Medal is one of HPD’s highest honors and is awarded in accordance with the department’s directive on awards and commendations.
Giles said the officers’ actions exemplified their commitment to the community.
“Because of Sergeant Cunningham, Officer Morris and Officer Miller, a life was saved and we thank you for your commitment to our community,” he said.
