Video: Heroes For The Heroes

Everyday we sit here or there drinking our beer or tea or whatever, people all around us drinking their beers or teas. Some we chat with, some we exchange numbers with. Some we even fall in love with but do we ever really know who they are or what life has sculpted their hearts from. Can any of us say what we'd do in extreme survival situations? Would we rise, run or call 911? For Captain Wayne Thompson, there wasn't time to contemplate this soul-searching question.

William Shakespeare said that "some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them".

Wayne Thompson dove into it, a horseshoe life jacket in hand. Approximately 3:30 p.m. yesterday afternoon, Saturday, August 6th, some 30 feet off the back of Captain Thompson's boat and 45 feet past the buoy near the Gulfport Beach, a floundering swimmer with a small boogie board attached to his wrist, was struggling for dear life. The captain, who'd just taken a seat at the stern of his boat noticed the swimmer waving at him. He didn't think at first that there was a problem but when he noticed the swimmer go down while waving, he realized the man was struggling and asking for help.

With urgent purpose Captain Thompson jumped up, grabbed a life preserver and dove in with no thought for his own safety. He'd been a seaman on many vessels over the years and responded instinctively. The swimmer, sucked in seawater as he went down. That's when Captain Thompson grabbed hold and pulled him to the surface. A veteran firefighter, the drowning man knew not to struggle against his rescuer as most do when drowning. The captain placed the preserver around the man's neck and began swimming in with the current but noticed his fireman had lost consciousness.

Thompson continued to swim while he checked the man's vitals and determined the man was having trouble breathing. Using his skills he did what he could to expel the water from the man's lungs. The man regained consciousness as Captain Thompson neared the boat pier at the Gulfport Casino where some family of the former firefighter had jumped in to lend a hand. They managed to hoist the man from the water. The captain instructed his mother to call 911. Within moments the Gulfport Fire and Rescue arrived to relieve the now warn out lifeguard apparent, but Captain Wayne Thompson takes his rescuing responsibilities seriously and would not leave his charge until our fire department vehicle pulled away.

So, next time you sit down at the bar and order your drink or soda, take a good look at the guy or gal sitting next you and say hello. It could be the person who turns out to be the hero we all need sooner or later. Thank you, Captain Thompson for being you. Pictures to follow shortly.