Sikeston DPS officers recognized

Sikeston Department of Public Safety recently recognized Sgt. James Whitley, Public Safety Officer Austin Novak, Public Safety Officer Sean Scott and Public Safety Officer Jacob Cox with its department for their actions during a recent structure fire and the rescue of victims who were unable to evacuate the residence. During the early morning hours of Aug. 21, Sikeston DPS responded to a structure fire where the occupants of the residence were unable to evacuate. The residence had active fire inside, and the four officers entered the residence and were able to safely rescue both the occupants from the basement, allowing the victims to receive medical attention, according to Sikeston DPS. These officers were given an Award of Valor for their bravery, selflessness and courage to complete the operation of rescuing the victims from inside their residence, DPS said. (Sikeston DPS/Facebook)