On Friday, Aug. 2, the festivities paused at the Cameron Fishing Festival to honor three local heroes for lifesaving acts. David French, Public Information Officer for the Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office, detailed the events of May 28, when Joe and Neil Higgins’ boat, The Captain Neil, was pushed into the rocks of the jetties on May 28, leaving both fighting for their lives. To the immediate rescue came local heroes Brandon DeBarge, Philip Dyson, Sr., and Joby Landry.

In honor of their actions, Cameron Parish District Attorney and Cameron Fishing Festival Chairman Tom Barrett presented the men with engraved commemorative plaques on behalf of the Cameron Lions Club. Sarah Roy, Public Affairs/Environmental Associate for Venture Global LNG, presented the honorees with gift certificates to Lighthouse Bend Restaurant and ball caps on behalf of Venture Global LNG, Title Sponsor of the Cameron Fishing Festival. On behalf of Cameron Parish Sheriff Chris Savoie who was away at a training, Officer French announced the presence of a rescue boat that is stationed in Cameron with trained personnel on standby in the event of similar events where rescue or other assistance is needed through the Marine Division of the Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office.