Five Luverne Volunteer firefighters received a special resolution and commendation from the Luverne City Council during the department's regular business meeting on July 27.

The commendations, which were recommended by Fire Chief Bill McManigle and Assistant Fire Chief W.A. Neal, in recognition for acts above and beyond the call of duty.

"John McManigle, Jason McManigle, Mike Beck, Lee Simmons and Tim Langford all risked their own lives and personal safety by entering a drainage ditch during a heavy rainstorm, at the scene of an automobile accident," said Chief McManigle. "An automobile had run off the roadway on U.S. Highway 331, overturned, and was submerged on its top in the rain-filled ditch. The water depth was about five feet, and these firefighters, while standing in chest-high water, managed to pull one victim from the car, but were unable to gain access to the other victim.

"The firefighters then pushed the car up on the driver's side, while other firefighters stablized the car, and they were able to enter the car and remove the body of the second victim," the chief said. "These actions were performed during extremely adverse weather conditions. Both victims were transported to Crenshaw Community Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival."

In a resolution dated July 26, 2004, Luverne Mayor Joe Rex Sport and the Luverne City Council publicly acknowledged the firefighters for their act of heroism during duties performed on July 17, 2004.