SWLA police officer awarded Carnegie Medal for saving young child, grandmother from drowning

BATON ROUGE, La. (KPLC) - A Southwest Louisiana police officer who risked his life to save a grandmother and her 4-year-old granddaughter from drowning has been awarded one of the highest civilian honors in the country.

Sgt. Dempsey Lavergne of the Vinton Police Department was awarded the Carnegie Medal at a ceremony in Baton Rouge. The medal is awarded to people who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or trying to save others, according to the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission.

Back in 2022, Pamela Dennis and her 4-year-old granddaughter, Ellyse, were driving along Exit 8 off I-10 when their new puppy got spooked and ran underneath Dennis’ feet, causing her to swerve away from the road and into a water-filled ditch.

Lavergne arrived at the scene and, without hesitation, jumped into action to save the family.

“He saved a little girl, a dog, and didn’t give up until he saved me, and we’re here today because of him,” Pamela Dennis said to 7News in 2024.

“Sgt. Lavergne represents what it means to serve with courage, integrity, and selflessness,” Vinton Police Chief Scott Spell said. “His actions on that day did not just make a difference; they saved lives. We are incredibly proud to have him as part of our department.”