Two Marines with the Military Police Department were each presented with a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation for Meritorious Service during a ceremony at the Military Police Department headquarters building here, Dec. 17.

Lt. Col. Kevin Prindiville presented Sgt. Daniel E. Norris and Cpl. Lance F. Bryant, both military police patrolmen with the Marine Corps Police Department, Security and Emergency Services Battalion, with awards for saving the life of a fellow Marine. Officer Russell Palmeri, a civilian police officer and Marine veteran who responded with the Marines to the scene, was presented with a Navy Meritorious Civilian Service award for his part in the rescue.

“When all the awards were being read, I had goose-bumps,” said Norris. “It makes me feel very proud to have been given this award, especially with the three guys I work with every day.”

Norris, Bryant and Palmeri responded to a call on Aug. 20, 2014, regarding a Marine who was unresponsive. Together they worked quickly to move the Marine from his bed to the floor and then took turns administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the Marine until the paramedics arrived.

“Their heroic actions and quick decision making saved a Marine’s life,” said Gunnery Sgt. Sol Michelle Nolte, a company first sergeant in Security and Emergency Services Bn. “Our Marines are constantly going above and beyond their duties as military policemen.”

The Military Police Department is responsible for law enforcement and physical security activities, protecting those who serve at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

"Appreciation or recognition for our actions is often overlooked, it’s more than just writing tickets or waving people at the gates,” said Nolte.

The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal is reserved for those who, while serving in the Navy or Marine Corps, perform a distinguishing heroic or meritorious achievement or service in a manner that makes them stand out amongst their peers.

“It’s good to get recognized for it, but honestly it’s just good to know that he survived and all our hard work out there paid off,” said Palmeri.