MAGOFFIN COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Two county officials and two stories of heroism.

On Tuesday, the National Weather Service honored Magoffin County Judge Executive Charles 'Doc' Hardin and Emergency Management Director Mike Wilson with StormReady Community Hero Awards.

The NWS credits the men with saving the lives of nearly 50 people during the March 2 tornado outbreak.

The men tell incredible stories from a night many in Magoffin County will never forget.

"My truck was shaking. I said 'this is not good.' By the time I got to the BP on the parkway it was there. Everything was flying, but I knew I had to get to the other side," Wilson recounted.

"I have a 10-year-old daughter and she said 'you can't go out, Daddy,' and I stooped down to where she was and I said 'you go downstairs and you take care of your momma. This is my job,'" said Hardin.

As the monster tornado dropped onto Salyersville the two officials sprang into action warning people to take shelter.

"Didn't think nothing of it. Just tried to save lives," said Wilson.

But they say what is more impressive is they way their community stuck together since that night.

"We're a family," said Hardin.

While there are still signs of the devastation that March tornado left behind, many businesses and homes have rebuilt from the ground up, and community leaders say they are proud of the way their county has come back.

"I don't think this community will ever be the same again. I think it's better," said Hardin.

The two men call it a blessing not a single life was lost in Magoffin County.

"March the 2 can be a day of thanksgiving instead of a day of mourning in Magoffin County," said Hardin.

The NWS says this only the seventh time the national award has been given.