TAMPA, Fla. — Three Tampa employees were celebrated as heroes Thursday for rescuing a teenage boy from the Hillsborough River earlier this year.

  • Victoria Mattie, Sophie Seidenberg, Ashley St. Clair received commendations
  • Trio performed the rescue in July
  • Teen doing OK
  • More Good News stories

"We thank you for a job well done," said Tampa City Councilman Orlando Gudes.

Victoria Mattie, Sophie Seidenberg and Ashley St. Clair received commendations from the Tampa City Council Thursday. 

In July, the city workers were preparing for an event inside the Tampa River Center when they heard commotion outside.

A teen was struggling in the river.  Mattie, Seidenberg and St. Clair rushed to help save him. 

"It all happened so quickly that we just all reacted very quickly to make sure we were bringing him home safe," said Mattie. 

Mattie jumped in the water.  The other two got a kayak and life jacket, then made their way to where the teen was located.

"The first thing I did was make sure we got the life jacket around him and asked his name," Mattie said.

"We put him in the rescue and I talked to him and asked him questions just to keep him alert until EMS came," said Seidenberg.

The three said their training helped to prepare them for the water emergency. 

"It was a total team effort," said St. Clair. 

Many people who were in the area also rushed to assist the teenager, who today is doing OK. 

"I don't feel like a hero," Mattie said. "I feel like we did all that we had to do, and we are glad that we reacted the way that we did."