Hillsborough County, Fla. — Coworkers, friends, and family were all on hand to celebrate Master Sergeant Scott Jones, as he received the Medal of Valor.
It's the highest award any Hillsborough County deputy can receive. Jones got his because of his heroic efforts on April 7, when he jumped in the bay to save six men.
"Six to nine foot seas and 30 miles an hour winds, but we continued out there," said Jones. "We had a job to do."
The men's boat had sunk, leaving them stranded in the middle of the bay, holding on to a buoy. Jones jumped in to save one of the victims, and then he jumped back in to help the four others. Unfortunately, one of the men didn't survive.
"I don't think I had time to be nervous," Jones says. "It's just happening so fast. You just gotta do it."
His two young sons were on hand for the ceremony Wednesday afternoon. He says looking out into the crowd seeing them made today perfect.
"Just knowing that they're proud of me, that's what every father wants," he said as tears filled his eyes.
"He's a really good role model for us," said his 11-year-old son, Ty Jones.
Three other deputies received life-saving awards for the same rescue.
