The Honolulu Fire Department held a commendation ceremony at the Mission Memorial Auditorium to recognize first responders and civilians for their actions during emergencies. Mayor Rick Blangiardi and other city officials attended the event to present the awards, according to the Honolulu Fire Department.
Fire Fighter III Alan Oliveira received the Honolulu Fire Department Gold Medal of Valor for rescuing fellow firefighters during the 2017 Marco Polo high-rise fire, where he continued working for six hours despite burns and low visibility. The department said his actions reflected its motto: “Pride Service Dedication.” Kimberly Ann Limasa received the Civilian Medal of Valor for saving a couple from drowning in Koʻ Olina’s Kohola Lagoon. Vance and Jersey Verano were given Certificates of Commendation for extinguishing a garage fire, and Kelsey Maloney and Lauren Van Heukelem received the same award for taking part in the rescue of people from an overturned sailboat…