Posted on: Friday, October 10, 2008
HPD honors two civilian rescuers
Advertiser Staff
The Honolulu Police Department on Wednesday awarded Michael Fujimori and Julie Hengel civilian medals of valor for rescuing an elderly woman from a burning car at the Pali Lookout on Feb. 5.
Police said the 87-year-old woman motorist crashed her speeding vehicle into a rock wall and was trapped inside as it began to burn. Fujimori, Hengel, and an unidentified female visitor were able to pull the woman out. Moments later, the vehicle burst into flames.
The civilian medal of valor is presented to members of the public for outstanding bravery at the risk of their own lives.
OTHERS AWARDED
Also honored yesterday at the second-quarter awards presentation at Ala Moana Center:
Mural artist Ron Artis received a letter of appreciation. Artis was cited for his work in beautifying three walls — two in Waialua and one in Wahiawa — by painting murals on areas previously tagged with graffiti. Police said Artis is quick to help the community and donates his time and talent freely.
Officer Gordon Gomes Jr. was awarded a certificate of merit for administering lifesaving CPR on an 18-year-old man with a heart condition during a recent concert at the Waikiki Shell.
The Juvenile Services Division's Education Unit was honored as HPD's unit of the quarter. The 20 officers assigned to the unit work in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education and Gang Resistance Education and Training details. The officers teach thousands of students to be "confident, responsible and respectful through lessons on peer pressure, bullying, Internet safety, and avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs use," police administrators said.
Chief Boisse Correa made the presentations yesterday.
