THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 23, 1996 TAG: 9608230070
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY LANE DEGREGORY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BUXTON LENGTH: 32 lines
Normally a land-loving deputy sheriff who patrols the Outer Banks roadways, Walter K. Duprey wasted no time getting wet last summer when he saw a swimmer floundering in the Atlantic about 300 yards off Pea Island.
Borrowing a boogie board and diving into the 6-foot surf Aug. 30, Duprey paddled to the 39-year-old drowning vacationer. About 20 minutes later, the deputy pulled the victim through the surf safely onto shore.
For Duprey's ``determined efforts, outstanding initiative and fortitude during this rescue,'' the law enforcement officer will receive a Silver Lifesaving Medal at 10:30 a.m. today at the U.S. Coast Guard's Group Cape Hatteras Headquarters in Buxton.
``His unselfish actions and valiant service - despite imminent personal danger - reflect great credit upon himself and are keeping with the highest traditions of humanitarian service,'' Coast Guard officials wrote in announcing the award.
Coast Guard Cmdr. Kent H. Williams, who oversees the entire Atlantic area from his 5th District office in Portsmouth, will fly to Hatteras Island for the ceremony.
Since Congress established the Silver Lifesaving Medal in 1974, only 2,026 of the awards have been given out.
``Gold and Silver Lifesaving Medals are among the most prestigious of all U.S. Awards,'' Coast Guard officials said.
Last month, Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. honored Duprey as one of 18 North Carolina residents who received a state award for bravery and heroism. by CNB