Bayonne fire captain honored for saving swimmer in Virginia

Fire captain Matt Kemple swam 300 yards to rescue the woman in distress.

Lanette Espy

May 17, 2024, 1:13 PM

Updated 207 days ago

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A firefighter in Bayonne was honored for saving the life of a swimmer at Virginia Beach.
According to fire officials, captain Matt Kemple attended marine firefighting training in Norfolk, Virginia two weeks ago. After training sessions ended for the day, Kemple saw a woman in the ocean struggling to swim at Virginia Beach.
They said Kemple called for help then jumped in and swam out 300 yards to rescue the woman who was drifting further out into sea.
Kemple received the Virginia Beach Fire Department Life-Saving Award and a Letter of Commendation from the United States Coast Guard for his heroic actions.