City council tonight honored the quick-thinking and selfless actions of six lifeguards who rescued a swimmer during a high school swim meet in November.

Five of the six lifeguards were present for the presentation of plaques by Mayor Emery Doughtie and Roanoke Rapids High School swim coach Jimmy Strickland.

“On November 30, 2012, six lifeguards of the Roanoke Rapids Aquatic Center staff performed the rescue of a swimmer in trouble during a swim meet hosted by Roanoke Rapids High School,” Strickland wrote in a February 4 letter to Doughtie and city council.

The lifeguards — Megan Medlin, Hayley Heath, Justin Dilauro, Stewart Mebane, Holly Parks and Abigail Harrell, all, “jumped to work and performed with professionalism as they carried out the rescue,” the letter continued. “Although three of the students were not on duty at the time of the rescue, they aided the other lifeguards in following Red Cross-approved standards to execute a successful rescue.”

Strickland noted that Heath, a member of the swim team, stopped in mid-race to help the other lifeguards.

“They did a great job to get the girl out of the water,” Strickland told council. “For those who utilize the aquatic center, you’re in good hands.”

From left, Carawan, Hollowell, Shearin, Cook and Clements.

In another matter tonight fire Chief Stacy Coggins held a promotion and new hire pinning ceremony to honor Mike Clements, who was promoted from battalion chief to deputy chief; Richie Cook, who was promoted from lieutenant to battalion chief; Brandon Shearin, who was promoted from engineer to lieutenant; Bryan Hollowell, who was promoted from firefighter to engineer and Hunter Carawan, who was hired as a firefighter.

Coggins was also presented his chief’s badge.