Sayre Foundation dinner honors first responders

KOHALA COAST — Hundreds of people came out Saturday evening for the 20th annual Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation Awards Dinner and Fundraiser at the Fairmont Orchid.

The event, a benefit for the nonprofit that helps support the Hawaii Fire Department, was attended by an array of dignitaries, current and former members of the fire department and others. It featured a silent auction, dinner and awards show.

This year, the foundation honored Helicopter Pilot Paul Darryl, Fire Rescue Specialist Chad Chun Fat, Fire Rescue Specialist Jason Robello, Fire Rescue Specialist Mike Judd, Firefighter/EMT Shawn Watson, Firefighter Michael Masuda, Rescue Watercraft Operator Paul Tucker, Rescue Watercraft Operator Robin Fasciano and Water Safety Officer II John Kapsky.

The Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation was created 20 years ago after Frank Sayre and Laura Mallery-Sayre lost their son in a hiking accident. It honors the dedication of Hawaii Island fire/rescue workers.

Over the years, the foundation has raised more than $1.5 million to support the island’s fire/rescue and emergency response teams, including the ocean safety division.

See Monday’s West Hawaii Today for full coverage.