HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Honolulu Fire Department honored eight civilians and five firefighters Friday for their acts of bravery and public service in 2025.

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Two civilians received Medals of Valor for their lifesaving actions. The rest received Certificates of Commendation for putting themselves in harm’s way to perform exceptional acts of service or bravery.

Firefighter Cory Supranovich received two certificates for separate actions — one while on duty and another while off duty.

“When your community needed you, every one of you proved that the spirit of kōkua is your guiding principle,” Andy Sugg, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s chief of staff, said during the ceremony.

Fire Chief Kalani Hao said the ceremony was a chance to reflect on the past year, and noted that “heroism is not reserved for those in uniform… In the face of adversity, they chose to take action and went above and beyond to perform the extraordinary.”

Medal of Valor awarded for house fire rescue

On March 23, 2025, Sheena Kalama and Bruce Saffery-Kipapa were traveling to a relative’s home when they noticed heavy smoke rising from a home belonging to lifelong family friends, an elderly woman and her son. Without hesitation and despite dangerous conditions, they entered the smoke-filled area, located the occupants, and guided them safely away from the advancing smoke and flames.

Neighbor stops stairwell fire from spreading

On April 6, 2025, Joseph Turnage observed fire coming from the exterior stairwell of a neighboring residence. He immediately utilized a garden hose to extinguish the flames before they could spread further into the structure. HFD said his quick thinking and decisive actions minimized damage and helped ensure the home remained habitable.

Off-duty firefighter takes over CPR at crash scene

On May 10, 2025, while off duty, firefighter I Spencer Hokama stopped to assist at the scene of a motor vehicle collision where bystanders had removed an unconscious driver from a vehicle and started CPR. Hokama took over lifesaving care and continued CPR until Honolulu Fire Department personnel arrived. He then assisted with resuscitation efforts, including automated external defibrillator protocols, which HFD said resulted in the patient regaining a pulse. Hokama also helped treat and stabilize additional patients at the scene.

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Water trucks help crews contain Mā‘ili brush fire

On July 6, 2025, C.J. and Daniel Peterson provided support during suppression efforts at a brush fire in Mā‘ili. Using their company’s water trucks, they supplied water and assisted with firefighting operations late into the evening until the fire was contained. HFD said their support contributed to the successful containment of the incident.

Off-duty firefighter and neighbor extinguish house fire

On Aug. 13, 2025, off-duty firefighter Brandon McBride and Reynolds Brooks separately noticed heavy smoke coming from the eaves of a home while traveling through the area and stopped to help. HFD said the two located the fire, grabbed a nearby garden hose, extinguished the flames and tried to notify any occupants inside to evacuate. When Honolulu Fire Department crews arrived, they confirmed the fire was out and had not spread into the attic. HFD said the pair’s quick actions reduced property damage and helped prevent a larger loss.

Firefighters save 5-year-old from drowning

On Aug. 23, 2025, Honolulu Fire Department crews responded to a report of smoke beneath the Karsten Thot Bridge on the north embankment of Lake Wilson. After the fire was quickly brought under control, firefighters Cory Supranovich and Courtney Senas saw an unattended 5-year-old enter the water from the south embankment. Supranovich entered the water and was followed by Senas. HFD said Supranovich reached the child as she was submerging, secured her, and the firefighters swam her safely back to shore, where they waited for Emergency Medical Services to arrive. HFD said the firefighters’ situational awareness and decisive actions contributed to the child’s rescue.

Rescuers help pull two visitors from heavy surf

On Oct. 5, 2025, visitors standing near the shoreline at Ke Iki Beach were swept into dangerous surf conditions by a powerful wave. HFD said Jimmy Thompson, who was bodysurfing nearby, responded to calls for help and joined off-duty firefighter James Rosenfeld in the rescue effort. HFD said they brought the woman safely to shore, then returned to assist a second victim who remained trapped in 15- to 20-foot waves and strong currents. HFD said their teamwork and determination were critical in the rescue.

Free diver helps rescue man from submerged cave

On Nov. 9, 2025, while free diving about 75 yards offshore near Paradise Cove, Jude Spear found an unconscious male diver inside a submerged cave. HFD said Spear surfaced to alert others and helped remove the diver and bring him to the surface, allowing Honolulu Ocean Safety Department lifeguards to reach the patient without delay and return him to shore. Once on shore, HFD said first responders started CPR and restored the man’s pulse before EMS transported him to the hospital. HFD said Spear’s actions were critical in giving the diver a chance to survive.

Off-duty firefighter restores infant’s breathing

On Dec. 17, 2025, while off duty at Pearlridge Center, firefighter Cory Supranovich responded when a mother reported her infant was unresponsive, not breathing and turning blue. HFD said Supranovich quickly assessed the situation and administered back blows, clearing the infant’s airway and restoring breathing. His intervention stabilized the child and allowed the parents to safely transport the infant for further medical evaluation.

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