Woodmen of the World Weldon Chapter 56 presented the fraternal insurance company's lifesaving award to Derrick Moore Tuesday.

“I just think he's an asset to the police department and I'm sure he would do it again,” said Joyce Wrenn, secretary of the chapter. “It wouldn't matter what the situation was.”

The events for which Moore was lauded occurred on March 21 when William Sorrell, 66, and Paulina Purvis, 51, put in a 12-foot aluminum canoe under the Rockfish Capital Bridge and paddled upstream to the Halifax County side around the old railroad trestle.

The boat got sideways and Sorrell went into the water. Purvis did not go into the water but the canoe was becoming inundated.

Sorrell was unable to get back in the canoe and drifted downstream clinging to the vessel. Both the man and woman wore lifejackets.

They were able to get to the banks where the woman called 911. Weldon police Officer Derrick Moore got them on land around the trestle.

“We are very proud of him and his actions that day,” Weldon Deputy Chief James Avens said. “Part of our job is to serve and protect and he answered the call that day by saving that gentleman from possibly going into hypothermia.”

Wrenn said the chapter is currently in the process of honoring Roanoke Rapids Police Officer Jamie Hardy for preventing a man from possibly committing suicide or harming himself in July.

As for Moore, Wrenn said, “We just think Derrick deserves every commendation.”

The lifesaver award is one of many Woodmen present in the community, Wrenn said, along with helping in other ways. “We presents flags, conservation awards and participate in blood drives. We've helped Angel's Closet and have done backpack buddies for the school system. We're willing to help anytime someone needs help.”