Congratulations to Kaua'i Fire for receiving one of the highest honors firefighters can receive. Well deserved after an incredible, unprecedented rescue effort. Mahalo for your continual courage and selflessness.
From the Source:
"The daring two-day rescue of 121 hikers stranded by a sudden flash flood along the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast of Kaua'i, Hawaii, ranks as one of the largest trail rescues in island history. Facing torrential rain, gusting winds and rising waters, Rescue 3 of the Kaua'i Fire Department repeatedly put their own lives at risk to return all 121 survivors to safety.
The heroic actions of Rescue 3 are being lauded with the 2014 presentation of the International Association of Fire Chiefs' (IAFC) and Motorola Solutions' prestigious Benjamin Franklin Fire Service Award for Valor. For 45 years, the award has recognized first responders around the world for their expert training, leadership, heroic actions and safe practices.
Medals will be given to Captain Gordon Tamura, Rescue Specialists Aaron Hawthorne and Adam Hussey, Rescue Operator Bryan Doo and pilot Clifton Cates at the general session of Fire-Rescue International on August 14 in Dallas."'
"As one survivor has said, praising their selfless acts of courage, 'I will never look at another firefighter the same way. I now intimately know the risks they take and the sacrifices they make to ensure the safety of others. That day, it was evident to all 121 of us, we were in excellent hands.'"
Above: Credit - Hawaii News Now