Kudos for rescue story
We’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Ms. Tiffany DeMasters on her excellent reporting of the rescue at Anna Ranch in Monday’s edition of WHT. She was able to have the readers experience the reality of all those involved: the rescuers of the Hawaii Fire Department, the rescued teenagers, as well as the private property managers. We were on the edge of our seats and in awe of the bravery, skill and compassion the members of the Fire Department demonstrated.
We are truly fortunate to have these amazing men and women protecting us and caring for us. From the recent volcanic evacuations in Puna; fighting the huge wildfires in Waikoloa and on Mauna Loa with no loss of life or structures; and the rescues during the flooding from Hurricane Lane in Hilo and Hamakua. At one point they successfully accomplished 27 swift water rescues in a 24-hour period. There are also the numerous rescues of residents and visitors performed each year by the Ocean Safety Division Officers.
The generosity of members of the Big Island played a very large part in this event. As an example, the equipment used in the Anna’s Pond rescue was purchased by donations from members of the Big Island community. The swift water rescue training was paid for by a grant from the Ironman Foundation. These gifts were funneled through the Daniel Sayre Memorial Foundation. If you would care to learn more please go to www.danielsayrefoundation.org. Because of the skill and bravery of these first responders three sets of parents still have their children.
Again, Tiffany and West Hawaii Today, thank you so much for the great piece of journalism and for keeping our community informed.
Frank Sayre and Laura Mallery-Sayre
Kailua-Kona
Thanks for making memorial possible
As president of Kona Beth Shalom, I want to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge Hawaiian Queen Coffee Gardens, Farley Jones, and Chuck and Mayumi Frumin for hosting our memorial evening that we held after the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.
The outpouring of loving kindness and compassion was very comforting for our community, and we are thankful to all those who attended. We need and appreciate these expressions of community unity in these troubled times.
Una Greenaway
Kailua-Kona