Posted at 12:10 a.m., Thursday, October 9, 2008
EVERYDAY HEROES
Police department honors pair for rescuing woman from burning car
Advertiser Staff
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Julie Hengel and Michael Fujimori, Honolulu Police Department civilian medal of valor recipients, rescued an elderly woman from a burning car.
Courtesy of Honolulu Police Department
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Juvenile Services Division's Education Unit was named HPD's unit of the quarter.
Courtesy Honolulu Police Department
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The Honolulu Police Department yesterday awarded Michael Fujimori and Julie Hengel civilian medals of valor for rescuing an elderly woman from a burning car at the Pali Lookout on Feb. 5.
Police said the 87-year-old woman motorist crashed her speeding vehicle into a rock wall and was trapped inside as it began to burn. Fujimori, Hengel, and an unidentified female visitor, were able to pull the woman out. Moments later, the vehicle burst into flames.
The civilian medal of valor is presented to members of the public for outstanding bravery at the risk of their own lives.
Also honored today at the second-quarter awards presentation at Ala Moana Center were:
Mural artist Ron Artis received a letter of appreciation. Artis was cited for his work in beautifying three walls — two in Waialua and one in Wahiawa — by painting murals on areas previously tagged with graffiti. Police said Artis is quick to help the community and donates his time and talent freely. Officer Gordon Gomes Jr. was awarded a certificate of merit for administering lifesaving CPR on an 18-year-old man with a heart condition during a recent concert at the Waikiki Shell. The Juvenile Service's Division's Education Unit as HPD's unit of the quarter. The 20 officers assigned to the unit work in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education and Gang Resistance Education and Training details. The officers teach thousands of students to be "confident, responsible, and respectful through lessons on peer pressure, bullying, Internet safety, and avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs use," police administrators said. In addition, the officers work with community groups and parents to help integrate their message at community events.Chief Boisse Correa made the presentations yesterday.
