Kapa‘a Fire Station crew honored at Fire Commission Tuesday
Published on May 22, 2024
LĪHU‘E —At Tuesday’s Fire Commission meeting, the Kaua‘i Fire Department honored personnel with the Kapa‘a Fire Station who rescued a visitor in waters off Kapa‘a on March 5.
“We are so grateful to our firefighters at the Kapa‘a Fire Station for their brave actions, which saved a young man's life,” said KFD Chief Michael Gibson. “Their quick response, compassion, and professionalism during this rescue personifies the aloha spirit and what we stand for at the Kaua‘i Fire Department.”
Capt. Blair Yamashita was among the first responders from the Kapa‘a Fire Station at the March 5 rescue. At the Fire Commission meeting, he acknowledged Mayor Kawakami, the administration, the Fire Commission, and the Kaua‘i County Council for supporting the Kaua‘i Fire Department.
“There's a saying that says in times of struggle, you don't rise to the level of your expectations, but you fall to the level of your training,” said Capt. Yamashita. “With the Mayor’s and administration’s emphasis and support on training, along with the Fire Commission and the County Council, we will have more of these successful stories. You can’t put a price on saving a life. Thank you to everyone.”
On March 5, crews with the Kapa‘a Fire Station saved the life of 26-year-old Jackson Utley of California after he was swept to sea in waters off Kapa‘a. After swimming for some time, Jackson became exhausted. Realizing Jackson was in distress, bystanders on shore called 911.
According to reports, firefighters arrived on scene shortly after and spotted Jackson about 60 yards from shore. They entered the water with a rescue tube and retrieved the California visitor.
Firefighters later escorted Jackson back into his room, ensuring he was safe from his ordeal. The crew also comforted Jackson’s grandparents, who had witnessed the incident.
“I think you all know how I feel about first responders. They're the key to everything we do on the island of Kaua‘i,” said Fire Commission member Jen Chahanovich. Thank you so much. It really touches my heart that you helped the grandparents because I only have one son, and I can't even imagine him being in those waters.”
KFD Chief Michael Gibson (left) with firefighters from the Kapa‘a station involved with the rescue of Jackson Utley on March 5. From left to right: Capt. Blair Yamashita, Firefighter III Christopher Simpson, Firefighter I Christian Marston, and Firefighter I Matthew Mauricio.
Fire Commissioner member Jen Chahanovich praises the efforts of firefighters from the Kapa‘a Fire Staton for their rescue of 26-year-old Jackson Utley on March 5.
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