Heroic Act Saves Lives

C-PORT (Conference of Professional Operators for Response Towing) and AFRAS (Association For Rescue At Sea) celebrated and presented its prestigious lifesaving award at the 38th C-PORT Conference held January 27 – 29, 2025 at the Paris Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV.  The award was announced on Tuesday during the C-PORT Awards Banquet Gala. Presenting the award was AFRAS Vice President History and Heritage, CDR Gary M. Thomas, USCG (Ret.), to Captain Kevin Jones, Offshore Marine Towing, TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale.

Tina Cardone, executive director of C-PORT commented, “Our association is thrilled to continue to have our members receive this high honor.”  This award represents over a decade’s long relationship between C-PORT and AFRAS.  In 2010, AFRAS had expressed a desire to establish a program, in cooperation with C-PORT, to annually recognize a deserving member of C-PORT that has shown exceptional skill and determination to save lives during a rescue incident in the maritime environment.  The Award is to be conferred on an individual or group of individuals who perform exceptional acts in attempting to save life.  Instances where the rescuer places their own life at risk are given highest consideration.  

 Phil LeBlanc, C-PORT chairman, remarked, “C-PORT congratulates Captain Kevin Jones for his heroic efforts in saving these lives. Assisting boaters is what we do and we, as an industry, are honored to have C-PORT members recognized with such a prestigious award.”

 The remarkable story of heroism may be read here: AFRAS C-PORT Lifesaving Award 2024