HERO AWARD
2023 Hero Award
Robin Fasciano and Paul Tucker (not pictured)
Two of the department’s rescue watercraft operators, Paul Tucker and Robin Fasciano, were honored at the Benefit Fundraiser with the 2023 Hero Award for saving two adults and a child on a kayak that was blown out into the Alenuihaha Channel.
2024 Hero Award
Kealiʻi Garmon and Sean McNeil
WSO Il Kealiʻi Garmon and Sean McNeil Jr. were honored at the Benefit Fundraiser with the 2024 Hero Award for rescuing a bodyboarder at Kua Bay after ignoring warning signs and entering dangerously large surf with 10–15 ft waves and a rising WNW swell. The inexperienced boarder broke his leash and was unable to return to shore due to pounding surf near the rocky south side of the bay. Despite a broken safety lanyard and several failed attempts, the two rescuers used their local knowledge and experience to guide the victim through a safer north channel and bring him to shore.