Gov. Nathan Deal honored two Hall County public safety workers Tuesday for acts of heroism.

During a ceremony at the state Capitol, Jonathan Barton, with the Hall County Fire Department, and Sgt. Jeff Shoemaker, with the Hall County Sheriff's Office, were presented with the 2011 Governor's Public Safety Award.

"Georgia is proud to recognize our law enforcement officers and emergency responders for their commitment to Georgia's public safety," Deal said. "These individuals exhibit courage and dedication every day to keep us safe."

On Christmas Day last year, Shoemaker, along with his wife and three children, helped rescue a mother and her son from their overturned car submerged in a creek.

Barton, along with another man, helped rescue two sisters caught in a rip current while at Tybee Island beach near Savannah.

In total, eight public safety personnel across the state were recognized.

"We are honored to have the opportunity to pay tribute to Georgia's public safety professionals who risk their lives daily and sacrifice time away from their families to protect our citizens," said Timothy J. Bearden, Georgia Public Safety Training Center director.

Patrick Stoker