Tim Nicholls

FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin,The, August, 2001

While patrolling the Intracoastal Waterway in the City of Hollywood, Florida, Officer Tim Nicholls observed a 24-foot cabin cruiser on fire. After notifying the dispatcher, Officer Nicholls responded to the scene to find the boat occupied by a father and his three children. As the boat's engine burned, Officer Nicholls disregarded his own safety, boarded the burning vessel, and rescued all four occupants.

After ensuring the occupants reached the safety of his police boat, Officer Nicholls then attempted to suppress the flames with a fire extinguisher. Unsuccessful at his attempts, Officer Nicholls tied a line to the burning boat and towed it to the boat ramps and awaited the fire department. Although the vessel sustained more than $15,000 in damage, Officer Nicholls' selfless actions saved the lives of three small children and their father.