For going into a burning building and saving a life, the City of Selma Police Department honored two police officers at Monday night’s City Council meeting with the Medal of Valor.

Sgt. David Hopkins and officer Harry Tubbs were awarded the medals.

“It gives me a great honor to recognize officers that put their life on the line and ignored their own safety and went inside a burning building,” interim police chief Jimmy Martin said. “This is the first time any law enforcement officer in the City of Selma to receive a Medal of Valor.”

Martin also presented plaques to each of the officers as well to officers Brian Dixon and Billy Wright.

“These officers also responded very well,” Martin said. “This whole platoon has been outstanding in their performance. I’d just like to thank you.”

The officers were honored at the previous city council meeting with recognition from Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr.

The two officers were awarded medals for rushing into a burning building and saving the life of a Selma man.

The officers were given Certificates of Commendation from the city and a standing ovation from the crowd at the last City Council meeting.

“I want to express my thanks to these guys. (They) went into a burning building and pulled a victim out,” their commander, Lt. Chuck Weber, said at that meeting. “They saved his life and he’s still alive in UAB Hospital.

If it wasn’t for these guys right here, he would not be here today.”