A Puna police officer and an Oahu man were honored by the Hawaii Police Department Wednesday for their efforts in the rescue of a Hilo man who fell into the ocean while fishing in Hawaiian Paradise Park in March.
The Puna policeman, Officer Michael Hodson, received the department’s Silver Medal of Valor, an award that has not been given before.
The Ewa Beach man, Stephen Ortiz, received the department’s Good Neighbor Award, but was unable to be present for the ceremony because of work commitments.
The awards were presented by Police Chief Guy A. Paulat the department’s annual awards luncheon, commemorating retirees and long-service officers, Wednesday at the Naniloa Hotel.
Two other members of the Hawaii Police Department, Sgt. James Kelly and Officer Adrian You, both of the Puna District,…