HPD officers, sergeant awarded Life-Saving Medals for rescuing man from frigid floodwaters

Published on February 16, 2026

The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) honored Sgt. William Cunningham, Officer Douglas Morris and Officer Kristin Miller with Life-Saving Medals for their courageous actions in December when they rescued a man from frigid, fast-moving floodwater in north Huntsville. The medal presentation took place at the Feb. 12 City Council meeting.

Shortly before 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 5, officers were dispatched to the 4400 block of Millvale Drive after a resident reported that her brother had left the home improperly dressed for the near-freezing temperatures. Officers Miller and Morris, along with Sgt. Cunningham, began searching the area for the missing man.

During the search, a second caller reported seeing the individual jump into a nearby creek swollen from recent heavy rainfall. The cold, moving water posed a significant hazard, and initial efforts to locate him were challenged by thick vegetation and current.

Around 45 minutes into the response, the officers located the man stranded on a small patch of grass in the middle of the creek, which had expanded to nearly 100 feet wide. Officers worked quickly to find a safe approach and attempted to persuade him toward shore, but it was clear that he was suffering from severe exposure. He was shaking uncontrollably, pale and unable to respond coherently – signs that immediate rescue was critical.

With no hesitation, Sgt. Cunningham, Officer Morris and Officer Miller removed their equipment and entered the frigid, waist-deep water. When they reached the man, he was unable to stand or walk on his own, so the officers carried him through the uncertain terrain back to shore, where they transferred him to awaiting emergency medical personnel.

Medical response confirmed that the man’s core body temperature had dropped to 90 degrees, well below the threshold for hypothermia. Emergency personnel advised that without rapid intervention, he likely would not have survived. Thanks to the quick thinking, teamwork and bravery of the officers, he was stabilized and transported for further care.

The Life-Saving Medal is one of HPD’s highest honors, awarded in accordance with the department’s official directive on Awards and Commendations. Sgt. Cunningham, Officer Morris and Officer Miller’s actions not only saved a life but also embodied the professionalism and dedication of HPD.