Nguyễn Đức Chính (number 2) swims to save a girl struggling in the fast-flowing Ninh Cơ River on April 9. — Photo dantri.com.vn

HÀ NỘI —  President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on Monday praised a firefighter in the southern province of Đồng Nai and a resident in the northern province of Nam Định for their heroic actions in the past two days.

The brave men are Lieutenant Thái Ngô Hiếu from the Đồng Nai’s fire prevention and rescue police division and Nguyễn Đức Chính, who resides in Nam Định’s Hải Hậu District.

Phúc said he was moved by Hiếu’s bravery and effort to save four young people aged 19-23, who nearly drowned while swimming in the sea in the Mekong Delta province of Bà Rịa- Vũng Tàu on April 10.

The President lauded Chính for bravely jumping from Thịnh Long bridge from a height of about 30m into the Ninh Cơ River to save an 8th-grade girl who was struggling in the fast-flowing water on April 9.

Stressing that their actions were brave and noble, the President said such examples of self-sacrifice were needed so that more people would have faith in positive actions.

He said the men should be given awards to encourage others.

Hiếu said that as soon as he heard the calls for help, he swam towards the group, about 30m away.

“I jumped in and swam down to the rocky shore to save them. I saw a large group, all holding each other. Some could swim, some couldn’t. A whirlpool had dragged them out,” he said.

“After I brought one of them to the shore, my companions gave further support, and I went back to help the others.”

Hiếu saved four people, and two other workers nearby saved two. Sadly, they failed to save one person from drowning.

Hiếu said he had worked as a rescuer for nearly 10 years.

“I have been rescuing people from drowning since I was a boy and helped nearly 100 people,” he said.

“You need to be calm, fast and know what to do in such situations. I was very calm when it happened.”

After pictures of Hiếu’s act were shared online, many positive comments, thanks and encouragement were sent to the brave firefighter.

The Ministry of Public Security has decided to promote him from Lieutenant to Captain. — VNS