Hero Employees Honored with STAR Award after Lifesaving Rescue

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (June 14, 2022) -- West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James recently awarded the City’s Staff Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Award to six Department of Public Utilities employees for saving a resident attempting to take his own life.

Charles Baker, Rojay Johnson, Max Rodgers, Mac Miller, Brandon Joe and Kyle Burrell were servicing a water main near Australian Avenue and Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard at the time of the rescue. After hearing a commotion, the award recipients went above the call of duty when they bravely intercepted a suicide attempt, called first responders, and comforted the resident in distress. 

“Their immediate and brave collective response saved this man’s life,” said Mayor James. “This is an outstanding example of the dedication to public service and to the safety and well-being of the residents of the great City of West Palm Beach.”

To watch video of the awards ceremony and to hear from the hero employees, click here!

To contact the City of West Palm Beach Department of Utilities, please call (561) 822-1060 (TTY: 800-955-8771). For information about the City of West Palm Beach, please visit wpb.org