February 12, 2008 - Civilian duo to be recognized at today’s City Council meeting for rescuing woman

Two Haverty’s Furniture Store delivery drivers save a woman from bayou

On October 30^th two Haverty’s Furniture Store delivery drivers were leaving for their first stop of the day along East Kings Highway when an out-of-control car crossed the road in front of them and plunged nose down into the bayou. The delivery drivers, Elmer Williams and Johnny Persley quickly parked their truck and ran to the car to render aid.

Persley tied a rope around William's body and held it while Williams climbed down to the woman, whose car had gone over the bank and into the water. The woman had suffering from a medical condition that caused her to lose control of the vehicle. The bank where the car came to rest was so steep that if it had not been for Williams and Persley courageous actions of pulling her from the vehicle to safety, she might have drown or gone undetected.

Because of their unselfish actions, Mayor Glover will present Persley and Williams with the “Mayor Glover’s Award of Excellence” and Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran will present both with Fire Department Civilian Commendations.