Honolulu Fire Chief Kenneth G. Silva will present a civilian Medal of Valor to a City lifeguard and Certificates of Commendation to two Honolulu Police Department officers and several civilians on Thursday, Dec. 4.

The ceremony will be held at the Honolulu Fire Department's Charles H. Thurston Training Center at 9 a.m. The Training Center is located at 890 Valkenburgh St. Parking is available at the rear of the building.

The Medal of Valor will be presented to the lifeguard for his rescue of a military man who was swept into the ocean on the Wai'anae Coast. Also being recognized are those who assisted at fires and medical emergencies.

The civilian Medal of Valor is given to those who distinguish themselves by means of outstanding bravery and at the risk of their own lives. It is the highest honor the HFD can bestow upon a member of the public.

A Certificate of Commendation recognizes those who have performed exceptional acts of service or bravery at lesser levels of personal risk.

On Jan. 18, 2008, Mr. Bouvey Bradbury, an off-duty Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division lifeguard, jumped into the turbulent surf, pulled the victim from an underwater cave, and towed him to safety.

Certificates of Commendation:

On Feb. 9, 2008, Kaipo Young rescued a female boogie boarder from rough seas near Ali'i Beach Park.

On April 20, 2008, Bryson Imasaka administered the Heimlich maneuver to clear the airway of a choking victim.

On May 4, 2008, Amberlin Scharsch and Dean Hashida pulled an unresponsive child from a pool and administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation until emergency responders arrived.

On May 7, 2008, Brian Alpiche, Patrick Baldimor, Ryan Castillo, and Peter Victoria used fire extinguishers and a garden hose to extinguish a fire on a second-floor patio.

On May 20, 2008, Maurice Ekimoto Jr. pulled an unresponsive person from a hotel pool and initiated rescue breathing until emergency responders arrived.

On May 31, 2008, Peter Lakatani heard his neighbor's smoke alarm sound, entered the smoke-filled kitchen, and used a garden hose to extinguish the fire prior to the HFD's arrival.

On June 5, 2008, Rene Ramos entered a smoke-filled kitchen and used a garden hose to extinguish the fire prior to the HFD's arrival.

On June 7, 2008, HPD Officers Darren Cachola and Paul Okamoto investigated smoke at a Kailua home and used garden hoses to extinguish the fire prior to the HFD's arrival.

On Aug. 1, 2008,David Shimamoto, Wayne Takabayashi, and Collin Wasti rendered aid to an unresponsive person until emergency responders arrived.

On Aug. 16, 2008, Patrick Emerson, John Gallagher, and Brenden Salcedo administered CPR to an unresponsive person until emergency responders arrived.