The Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) recognized a civilian, police officer, and fire fighter at a Commendation Ceremony held this morning in the HFD’s Hale Kinai Ahi Auditorium.

Managing Director Michael D. Formby and Fire Chief Sheldon K. Hao delivered remarks during the special event honoring the recipients for their empathy and willingness to disregard danger in order to help someone in need.

The HFD awards a Medal of Valor to individuals whose quick actions include saving a life. A Certificate of Commendation is presented to those who put themselves in harm’s way to perform exceptional acts of service or bravery.

“Thankfully for our communities, bravery, compassion, and a call to service are not traits exclusive to first responders,” said Chief Hao. “The heroes we recognize today did not hesitate during adversity and quickly took action to help those in need.”

The following is a summary of events for which the three honorees were acknowledged and received a Civilian Medal of Valor or a Certificate of Commendation:

On December 19, 2023, while driving, Mr. Kit Yiu saw heavy, black smoke emanating from an apartment unit. He pulled over, entered the apartment unit to find flames emitting from a stovetop, and used a fire extinguisher to suppress the flames. Mr. Yiu exited the unit to obtain another extinguisher from a neighbor and reentered the unit to continue dousing the fire until it was fully extinguished prior to the HFD’s arrival. A Civilian Medal of Valor was presented to Mr. Yiu for his heroic actions in stopping the fire from spreading.

On June 5, 2023, Honolulu Police Officer Tyson Chun witnessed a pickleball player who collapsed and was experiencing a cardiac arrest. Officer Chun’s quick actions to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) saved the person’s life prior to the HFD’s arrival. Officer Chun was awarded a Certificate of Commendation.

On August 8, 2023, HFD Fire Fighter I Isaiah Sanchez noticed a pedestrian who collapsed on the roadway and performed CPR until the HFD arrived. His quick actions gave the victim the best possible chance of survival.

The HFD appreciates all of our honorees for being brave, compassionate, and willing to help another. They are genuine proof that heroes live among us and come from all walks of life.