Acting Captain Monn-el Kim recognized Fire Fighters Derek Awong and Jason Robello for their actions in assisting a distressed swimmer at night near South Point.
Upon arrival at the scene, the patient was found under a ledge at the base of a 30 foot cliff. The patient was swimming and unable to swim back to the ladder area (about a mile away) to exit the water due to fatigue and strong currents and swells. After communicating with the patient, who stated he was not seriously injured, it was determined that it may be too dangerous of an angle to attempt a rope rescue with Rescue Company 2 (Waiakea Fire Station), who was responding but still two hours away.
Acting Captain Kim assigned Fire Fighters Awong and Robello to scale down the cliff and find an access point to the patient, while the rest of the company provided directions and light from atop the cliff as well as kept multiple bystanders from the edge of the cliff.
Awong and Robello scaled down the cliff and maneuvered their way along the bottom of the cliff as far as they could. They then swam the rest of the way to the patient. A plan was devised to swim the patient with the Peterson buoy to a secure area where they could exit the water and follow the coast to a safe area where the patient could be extricated to the top of the cliff. After the swim and scaling the rocks at the bottom of the cliff with the patient between them, Awong and Robello were lowered tabis (reef walkers) and larger lights and their unnecessary equipment was pulled up by Company 2 personnel. When the safe area to ascend the cliff was reached, a rope was lowered by Company 11 and 2 personnel, and Awong and Robello secured a man hitch around the patient, and with one above and one below they assisted the patient to the top of the cliff where he arrived unharmed.
Considering their limited skills in technical rescue, both Fire Fighter Derek Awong and Fire Fighter Jason Robello were able to assist the patient to a safer location where the patient was then able to ascend the cliff with help from the rest of Company 11 and Rescue Company 2 (Waiakea Fire Station).
Fire Fighters Awong and Robello were able to successfully pull this rescue off with the basic skills that they were taught in fire fighter basic training, without any injuries to anyone.
In his nomination of them, FEO Kim stated that Fire Fighters Awong and Robello represented the department well, went above and beyond the call of duty, and have earned his respect.
On April 18, 2008, Rescue Company 7 was dispatched to a “swimmer in distress” in the waters of Kailua Bay. The swimmer was reportedly off the coastline fronting the Royal Kona Resort Hotel.
Upon arrival at the scene, the male party was observed about 250 yards offshore. Fire Rescue Specialist Garrett Nishihara entered the waters from the rocky shoreline utilizing the large rescue board. Ocean conditions were rough, with a southwest swell causing strong currents, surges, and crashing waves onshore. Nishihara powered through the surf making it past the shore break and continuing to the victim who was within the impact zone of the outer reef. Because surf conditions would not allow Nishihara to return to the shoreline, Acting Captain Justin Yamamoto informed the personnel with Rescue Boat 7 of the situation and ordered the boat launched with response to the distressed swimmer.
On Kailua Pier, the other Rescue men assessed the conditions. Due to swell direction, the launch ramp on the pier was continually awash with multi-direction swells and surges. A launch could not be done without exposing the vessel and tow vehicle to possible significant damage. It was suggested the vessel be launched from Honokohau Harbor. The rescue men were aware it would add at least thirty minutes to their contact with Nishihara.
FRS Nishihara had made it through the initial shoreline conditions and approached the victim. Upon his contact with the victim, Nishihara would realize what was learned on shore after his departure: The distressed swimmer had a mental disorder, had been in the water for three hours, was very tired….and naked.
Nishihara was involved with the rescue of a man who was only partially cooperative, exhausted and unable to physically or mentally assist with his rescue. Nishihara recognized that Rescue Boat 7 was delayed. He needed to get the victim outside of the impact zone before the next set of swells. The victim was unable to remain on the rescue board and had to be towed. Nishihara held onto the victim, paddling the board and attempting to get to safer waters before the next breaking wave. He was relieved to see Rescue Boat 7 quickly approaching, then dismayed to see it alter course and turn out to sea. Time had run out and the first of the swells hit. Nishihara recognized the hazard the large rescue board posed in the crashing surf and separated from the victim, maneuvering the board away. Nishihara and the board tumbled approximately 50 yards inshore. He recovered and moved back to the victim who was helpless in the surf. Nishihara held on to the victim and the board working through the immediate conditions, awaiting the return of RB-7, who had altered its course to avoid the possibility of being capsized by the breaking waves. After the passing of the swells, the boat quickly moved to Nishihara and the victim. They successfully brought them onboard and proceeded toward the pier.
This incident on April 18th, 2008 was an example of teamwork and individual ability, professionalism and trust. Nishihara’s performance during this rescue was a result of his off duty Garrett trains daily, on his own time. He takes pride in his physical strength and endurance. The physical challenges of this rescue were not difficult for him. He is always in peak physical condition. His professionalism surfaced in his interaction with his victim, and the manner in which he directed and secured him.
FRS Akiona states that Fire Rescue Specialist Garrett Nishihara’s performance is considered exemplary. He displayed a level of maturity, confidence and ability beyond normal standards.
On July 3, 2007, Rescue Company 2 was dispatched to a possible missing diver at Whittington Beach Park in Ka’u. Nearby campers reported watching a dive flashlight in the water approximately 300 yards offshore that had not moved for two hours.
By the time Company 2 arrived at the scene after midnight, the flashlight was getting dimmer. Urgency to search the area was of top priority. An Incident Action Plan was formulated and implemented. While awaiting Chopper 1’s arrival, FEO Charles Spain and FRS Chad Chun Fat volunteered to bail off C-1’s skids and search the area free diving. When the chopper arrived, Spain and Chun Fat jumped off the chopper’s skids, and as soon as they entered the water, they headed for the flashlight quickly searching the area. Within a minute, they spotted the lifeless diver on the bottom of the ocean floor, approximately 10 to 15 feet deep, and dove down to retrieve the victim. Chopper Pilot Paul Darryl skillfully deployed the net as close to the rescuers as possible and the victim was placed in the net and secured. Spain and Chun Fat waited offshore until Chopper 1 returned to pick them up.
Knowing the increased risk of helicopter night operations, Fire Equipment Operator Charles Spain and Fire Rescue Specialist Chadwick Chun Fat volunteered to perform the rescue. Both men relied on their innate knowledge of the ocean and their skills as great watermen to affect this recovery.
Life saving action at an accident site in Honokaa. A drunk driver hit three people at a gathering of which one victim had a badly broken compound fracture of her femur. She was bleeding to death when he, as a by-stander, came to her rescue, relocated her dislocated hip, slowed down the bleeding and elevated her leg to keep her from bleeding to death. Her surgeon’s told her that not only did he save her leg, he saved her life that night.
She is a professional hula
dancer and thanks to Namahoe, she will likely be able to dance again.
Rescue of Tricia Malanka by Fire Fighter Laka Burgess October 27, 2006 I went snorkeling at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. I had not been in the water there before but noticed that I quickly got to the “point” where a woman coming out of the water, as I was going in, said was a good spot for snorkeling.
Prior to going into the water I mentioned to my husband (he was staying on the beach) to look up once in awhile to be sure check on me . . .
Since I had noticed that the current took me out so quickly I decided not to linger and started back into shore not long after I reached the point. I noticed I wasn’t making progress towards shore so I tried turning over on my back, kicking as hard as I could – still no luck. Rather than tire myself or get scared I decided to signal for help once I realized I wasn’t making any headway. I was yelling “HELP” and waving my arms while treading water.
My husband had noticed my predicament and ran into the water and as he was doing so a fire truck pulled up and he told someone on the beach to tell them I needed help. My husband (Mark) reached me first and told me that help was on the way. No one had called 911 – they told us later that they just happened to be driving through . . .
Laka jumped into the water and swam to where I was and put a floatation belt around my waist and told me to kick as hard as I could “…no matter what…” The surf was building and we crashed into some lava on the South end of the beach where another one of the firefighters eventually helped us out of the water. My husband had a boogie board that Guy Enriques (he has a t-shirt business at the beach) had brought out to him when he noticed that Mark was in the water trying to help me.
Mark got out of the water on his own minus his snorkel and one fin. Laka and I had some cuts from the lava, but nothing serious.
Somehow as he was walking away I asked him for his name and gave him a hug . . .my husband and I just looked at each other stunned at what had just occurred.
On July 27, 2006, at 10:20 p.m., Rescue Company 2 responded to report that a person jumped off a 25’ cliff behind 15-0921 Paradise Drive. At the time, Chief Coloma was a Rescue Captain on C Platoon.
On arrival at the scene at 10:45 p.m., rescue personnel spoke to the reporting party and witness to the event, and received the information that the male party who jumped was feeling depressed for the last couple of days.
Along with Company 18, they began searching the coastline and offshore for any sign of the victim. FRS Marc Farinas and Chief Coloma were about 200 yards from the point where the victim jumped into the water when Farinas shouted that he saw the victim. The victim was observed calmly threading water approximately 50 yards offshore. The surf was approximately 4’-6’ with lulls in-between sets.
Without hesitation, FRS Farinas stated he would go in, and after finding a suitable entry point, he swam out to the victim with a torpedo buoy in tow. Meanwhile, the other personnel kept their lights on the victim and FRS Farinas, while waiting for Chopper-1 to arrive.
Because of the victim’s mental state, the victim began swimming away parallel to the coastline, refusing FRS Farinas’ help and floatation device. During this time, FRS Farinas calmly talked to the victim, trying to coax him into grabbing onto the buoy.
Chopper-1 arrived at the scene at 11:51 p.m.; over an hour had elapsed from the time FRS Farinas first spotted the victim. Chopper-1 deposited two more Fire Rescue Specialists into the water, and together with FRS Farinas, they were able to coax the victim into the Billy Pugh rescue net. Chopper-1 then placed the victim on shore into the custody of police officers. The victim suffered only minor scrapes and cuts.
Because of his calm demeanor and high confidence in his skills, FRS Marc Farinas was able to keep this incident from escalating into something more serious. His actions that evening embodies the highest standards and values of our department.
Chief Coloma also wanted to recognize FRS Garrett Kim, FRS Mathias Kusch and Chopper pilot Paul Darryl for their part in this rescue, as well as Battalion Chief Raymond Rowe and Company 18 personnel for their assistance in this rescue. Through the teamwork of all responding fire fighters, the mission was a success.
The morning of November 24, 2006, Gregg woke with complete joy and went walking with Katie on the expanse of black volcanic rocks in front of our rental house to look at the waves and the tide pools. He thought to rest, to sit on the ledge of the bluff and watch the ocean put on its magnificent display. Then life changed for our family forever, as the pattern of waves freakishly grew, shifted and crashed, knocking Gregg onto the rocks and water below. Katie, without thought for her own safety, jumped into the water to save Gregg. She tried to hold him, only to be battered, separated and nearly drowned.
The fire and police rescue teams arrived rapidly, managing to somehow rescue Katie by dropping a basket from the helicopter. A few moments sooner and perhaps Gregg would be with us, moments later we would have lost Katie as well.
This ocean was not the ocean of idyllic island dreams. It had become a crashing violent thing. Still, these amazing brave men worked to recover the body. They flew helicopters dangerously low into air currents while divers swam in shark infested waters. They stood stationed for hours along the cliffs, charting currents, searching the waters, never giving up until the light failed. They vowed to return, to continue to the search for as many days as we wanted. At daybreak of the second day, Gregg’s body was spotted among the rocks, but couldn’t be reached due to the continuing rough surf. Finally, two divers timed their jump from a helicopter between sets of huge crashing waves and grabbed Gregg’s body, lifting it to the air.
Some of the rescue workers openly wept for our family. They expected no thank you, and no reward as they stood stoically at a respectful distance and shared our family’s grief. We learned that it was a minor miracle to find bodies at that spot due to the currents and sharks. Yet they had risked their lives in that water for us.
These rescue workers, many of whom are volunteers, truly work exclusively for the benefit of others. They work with outdated equipment and in some cases no equipment at all. We learned that in another incident they had difficulty retrieving a body because they didn’t have sufficient funds for proper ropes.
There doesn’t seem to be a more fitting way to honor Gregg then to offer support to these men. Therefore in lieu of flowers we respectfully request donations to be made to:
Gregg Malkin Memorial Fund
C/O Goldschmid, Silver, & Spindel
3345 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 600
Los Angeles, CA 90010
For tax purposes, the Federal Tax ID # for the Foundation receiving the funds is: 99-0261283.
We are eternally grateful to these men for giving us a chance at some closure and peace.
Rescue Stories
2008 Rescue Stories
Fire Fighters Derek Awong and Jason Robello
Nominated by Acting Captain Monn-el Kim, Company 11A (Pahala Fire Station)
Acting Captain Monn-el Kim recognized Fire Fighters Derek Awong and Jason Robello for their actions in assisting a distressed swimmer at night near South Point.
Upon arrival at the scene, the patient was found under a ledge at the base of a 30 foot cliff. The patient was swimming and unable to swim back to the ladder area (about a mile away) to exit the water due to fatigue and strong currents and swells. After communicating with the patient, who stated he was not seriously injured, it was determined that it may be too dangerous of an angle to attempt a rope rescue with Rescue Company 2 (Waiakea Fire Station), who was responding but still two hours away.
Acting Captain Kim assigned Fire Fighters Awong and Robello to scale down the cliff and find an access point to the patient, while the rest of the company provided directions and light from atop the cliff as well as kept multiple bystanders from the edge of the cliff.
Awong and Robello scaled down the cliff and maneuvered their way along the bottom of the cliff as far as they could. They then swam the rest of the way to the patient. A plan was devised to swim the patient with the Peterson buoy to a secure area where they could exit the water and follow the coast to a safe area where the patient could be extricated to the top of the cliff. After the swim and scaling the rocks at the bottom of the cliff with the patient between them, Awong and Robello were lowered tabis (reef walkers) and larger lights and their unnecessary equipment was pulled up by Company 2 personnel. When the safe area to ascend the cliff was reached, a rope was lowered by Company 11 and 2 personnel, and Awong and Robello secured a man hitch around the patient, and with one above and one below they assisted the patient to the top of the cliff where he arrived unharmed.
Considering their limited skills in technical rescue, both Fire Fighter Derek Awong and Fire Fighter Jason Robello were able to assist the patient to a safer location where the patient was then able to ascend the cliff with help from the rest of Company 11 and Rescue Company 2 (Waiakea Fire Station).
Fire Fighters Awong and Robello were able to successfully pull this rescue off with the basic skills that they were taught in fire fighter basic training, without any injuries to anyone.
In his nomination of them, FEO Kim stated that Fire Fighters Awong and Robello represented the department well, went above and beyond the call of duty, and have earned his respect.
Fire Rescue Specialist Garrett Nishihara
Nominated by Fire Rescue Specialist Edward Bimo Akiona, Rescue Company 7 (Kailua Fire Station)
On April 18, 2008, Rescue Company 7 was dispatched to a “swimmer in distress” in the waters of Kailua Bay. The swimmer was reportedly off the coastline fronting the Royal Kona Resort Hotel.
Upon arrival at the scene, the male party was observed about 250 yards offshore. Fire Rescue Specialist Garrett Nishihara entered the waters from the rocky shoreline utilizing the large rescue board. Ocean conditions were rough, with a southwest swell causing strong currents, surges, and crashing waves onshore. Nishihara powered through the surf making it past the shore break and continuing to the victim who was within the impact zone of the outer reef. Because surf conditions would not allow Nishihara to return to the shoreline, Acting Captain Justin Yamamoto informed the personnel with Rescue Boat 7 of the situation and ordered the boat launched with response to the distressed swimmer.
On Kailua Pier, the other Rescue men assessed the conditions. Due to swell direction, the launch ramp on the pier was continually awash with multi-direction swells and surges. A launch could not be done without exposing the vessel and tow vehicle to possible significant damage. It was suggested the vessel be launched from Honokohau Harbor. The rescue men were aware it would add at least thirty minutes to their contact with Nishihara.
FRS Nishihara had made it through the initial shoreline conditions and approached the victim. Upon his contact with the victim, Nishihara would realize what was learned on shore after his departure: The distressed swimmer had a mental disorder, had been in the water for three hours, was very tired….and naked.
Nishihara was involved with the rescue of a man who was only partially cooperative, exhausted and unable to physically or mentally assist with his rescue. Nishihara recognized that Rescue Boat 7 was delayed. He needed to get the victim outside of the impact zone before the next set of swells. The victim was unable to remain on the rescue board and had to be towed. Nishihara held onto the victim, paddling the board and attempting to get to safer waters before the next breaking wave. He was relieved to see Rescue Boat 7 quickly approaching, then dismayed to see it alter course and turn out to sea. Time had run out and the first of the swells hit. Nishihara recognized the hazard the large rescue board posed in the crashing surf and separated from the victim, maneuvering the board away. Nishihara and the board tumbled approximately 50 yards inshore. He recovered and moved back to the victim who was helpless in the surf. Nishihara held on to the victim and the board working through the immediate conditions, awaiting the return of RB-7, who had altered its course to avoid the possibility of being capsized by the breaking waves. After the passing of the swells, the boat quickly moved to Nishihara and the victim. They successfully brought them onboard and proceeded toward the pier.
This incident on April 18th, 2008 was an example of teamwork and individual ability, professionalism and trust. Nishihara’s performance during this rescue was a result of his off duty Garrett trains daily, on his own time. He takes pride in his physical strength and endurance. The physical challenges of this rescue were not difficult for him. He is always in peak physical condition. His professionalism surfaced in his interaction with his victim, and the manner in which he directed and secured him.
FRS Akiona states that Fire Rescue Specialist Garrett Nishihara’s performance is considered exemplary. He displayed a level of maturity, confidence and ability beyond normal standards.
Fire Equipment Operator Charles Spain and
Fire Rescue Specialist Chadwick Chun Fat
Nominated by Captain James Kuniyoshi, Company 2 (Waiakea Fire Station)
On July 3, 2007, Rescue Company 2 was dispatched to a possible missing diver at Whittington Beach Park in Ka’u. Nearby campers reported watching a dive flashlight in the water approximately 300 yards offshore that had not moved for two hours.
By the time Company 2 arrived at the scene after midnight, the flashlight was getting dimmer. Urgency to search the area was of top priority. An Incident Action Plan was formulated and implemented. While awaiting Chopper 1’s arrival, FEO Charles Spain and FRS Chad Chun Fat volunteered to bail off C-1’s skids and search the area free diving. When the chopper arrived, Spain and Chun Fat jumped off the chopper’s skids, and as soon as they entered the water, they headed for the flashlight quickly searching the area. Within a minute, they spotted the lifeless diver on the bottom of the ocean floor, approximately 10 to 15 feet deep, and dove down to retrieve the victim. Chopper Pilot Paul Darryl skillfully deployed the net as close to the rescuers as possible and the victim was placed in the net and secured. Spain and Chun Fat waited offshore until Chopper 1 returned to pick them up.
Knowing the increased risk of helicopter night operations, Fire Equipment Operator Charles Spain and Fire Rescue Specialist Chadwick Chun Fat volunteered to perform the rescue. Both men relied on their innate knowledge of the ocean and their skills as great watermen to affect this recovery.
Life saving action at an accident site in Honokaa. A drunk driver hit three people at a gathering of which one victim had a badly broken compound fracture of her femur. She was bleeding to death when he, as a by-stander, came to her rescue, relocated her dislocated hip, slowed down the bleeding and elevated her leg to keep her from bleeding to death. Her surgeon’s told her that not only did he save her leg, he saved her life that night.
She is a professional hula
Fire Fighter Laka Burgess Rescues Tricia Malanka.
(click here for photos of Gregg)
Rescue of Tricia Malanka by Fire Fighter Laka Burgess
October 27, 2006 I went snorkeling at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. I had not been in the water there before but noticed that I quickly got to the “point” where a woman coming out of the water, as I was going in, said was a good spot for snorkeling.
Prior to going into the water I mentioned to my husband (he was staying on the beach) to look up once in awhile to be sure check on me . . .
Since I had noticed that the current took me out so quickly I decided not to linger and started back into shore not long after I reached the point. I noticed I wasn’t making progress towards shore so I tried turning over on my back, kicking as hard as I could – still no luck. Rather than tire myself or get scared I decided to signal for help once I realized I wasn’t making any headway. I was yelling “HELP” and waving my arms while treading water.
My husband had noticed my predicament and ran into the water and as he was doing so a fire truck pulled up and he told someone on the beach to tell them I needed help. My husband (Mark) reached me first and told me that help was on the way. No one had called 911 – they told us later that they just happened to be driving through . . .
Laka jumped into the water and swam to where I was and put a floatation belt around my waist and told me to kick as hard as I could “…no matter what…” The surf was building and we crashed into some lava on the South end of the beach where another one of the firefighters eventually helped us out of the water. My husband had a boogie board that Guy Enriques (he has a t-shirt business at the beach) had brought out to him when he noticed that Mark was in the water trying to help me.
Mark got out of the water on his own minus his snorkel and one fin. Laka and I had some cuts from the lava, but nothing serious.
Somehow as he was walking away I asked him for his name and gave him a hug . . .my husband and I just looked at each other stunned at what had just occurred.
Written by Tricia Malanka
FIRE RESCUE SPECIALIST MARC FARINAS
Nominated by Battalion Chief Clint Coloma
Along with Company 18, they began searching the coastline and offshore for any sign of the victim. FRS Marc Farinas and Chief Coloma were about 200 yards from the point where the victim jumped into the water when Farinas shouted that he saw the victim. The victim was observed calmly threading water approximately 50 yards offshore. The surf was approximately 4’-6’ with lulls in-between sets.
Without hesitation, FRS Farinas stated he would go in, and after finding a suitable entry point, he swam out to the victim with a torpedo buoy in tow. Meanwhile, the other personnel kept their lights on the victim and FRS Farinas, while waiting for Chopper-1 to arrive.
Because of the victim’s mental state, the victim began swimming away parallel to the coastline, refusing FRS Farinas’ help and floatation device. During this time, FRS Farinas calmly talked to the victim, trying to coax him into grabbing onto the buoy.
Chopper-1 arrived at the scene at 11:51 p.m.; over an hour had elapsed from the time FRS Farinas first spotted the victim. Chopper-1 deposited two more Fire Rescue Specialists into the water, and together with FRS Farinas, they were able to coax the victim into the Billy Pugh rescue net. Chopper-1 then placed the victim on shore into the custody of police officers. The victim suffered only minor scrapes and cuts.
Because of his calm demeanor and high confidence in his skills, FRS Marc Farinas was able to keep this incident from escalating into something more serious. His actions that evening embodies the highest standards and values of our department.
Chief Coloma also wanted to recognize FRS Garrett Kim, FRS Mathias Kusch and Chopper pilot Paul Darryl for their part in this rescue, as well as Battalion Chief Raymond Rowe and Company 18 personnel for their assistance in this rescue. Through the teamwork of all responding fire fighters, the mission was a success.
HFD Rescue Team Rescues Katie and Recovers Gregg Malkin
This ocean was not the ocean of idyllic island dreams. It had become a crashing violent thing. Still, these amazing brave men worked to recover the body. They flew helicopters dangerously low into air currents while divers swam in shark infested waters. They stood stationed for hours along the cliffs, charting currents, searching the waters, never giving up until the light failed. They vowed to return, to continue to the search for as many days as we wanted. At daybreak of the second day, Gregg’s body was spotted among the rocks, but couldn’t be reached due to the continuing rough surf. Finally, two divers timed their jump from a helicopter between sets of huge crashing waves and grabbed Gregg’s body, lifting it to the air.
Some of the rescue workers openly wept for our family. They expected no thank you, and no reward as they stood stoically at a respectful distance and shared our family’s grief. We learned that it was a minor miracle to find bodies at that spot due to the currents and sharks. Yet they had risked their lives in that water for us.
There doesn’t seem to be a more fitting way to honor Gregg then to offer support to these men. Therefore in lieu of flowers we respectfully request donations to be made to:
Gregg Malkin Memorial Fund
C/O Goldschmid, Silver, & Spindel
3345 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 600
Los Angeles, CA 90010