They braved alligators to rescue drowning victims, and entered blindly through thick fog and smoke to rescue victims in the deadly I-75 pile-up.

Thurday, stories of heroism and bravery were shared at the annual Alachua County Sheriff's awards.

Deputies and private citizens were honored at the ceremony.

Honors were given for everything from helping to raise money for Special Olympics to a deputy confronting an armed gunman during last year's shooting at High Springs Community School.

Nine Medal of Valor awards were given. Three of those were given to the first responders at the scene of the tragic I-75 pile-up in January.

Except for the awards given to the I-75 responders, all  other awards were for acts in 2011.