On Thursday, September 12, 2019, at approximately 1:45 PM, while patrolling the beach near the Okaloosa/Walton County line, Beach Compliance Officer Murray Casey noticed a woman in the Gulf of Mexico in distress. She was on a float and having a difficult time getting back to shore due to the strong current. While instructing bystanders to call 911, Officer Casey donned his gear, swam to the distressed swimmer and was able to safely bring her back to shore. The woman was checked out by the Destin Fire Control District Lifeguards and was medically cleared.
Code Compliance Manager Joey Forgione stated, “Officer Casey’s quick action and life-saving efforts brings credit upon himself, the Code Compliance Department and the City of Destin.”
The City of Destin would also like to recognize Code Compliance Officer Dave Bazylak for his actions on Saturday, July 6th, 2019. Officer Bazylak was on patrol in the Destin Harbor and around 1:30 pm observed two teenage female kayakers in distress on the eastern side of the Marler Bridge. Bazylak was able to reach both kayakers and pull them safely into the boat and retrieve the sunken kayak.
“Dave has a lot of knowledge of our harbor and waterways. Always keeping his head on a swivel, we are grateful for his vigilance and assisting these kayakers in their time of need,” stated Code Compliance Manager, Joey Forgione.