A half-dozen police officers were recognized Friday with a Certificate of Merit for their quick actions and lifesaving skills at the scene of a fatal Nov. 10, 2019, crash near Ke Kahakai State Park in North Kona.
Hawaii Police Department Chief Paul Ferreira awarded the certificate to Kona Patrol officers Patrick Robinson, Adam Hanes, Preston Paglinawan, Justin Uresti, and Kayli Carr, and former Officer James Rome III. Robinson was also awarded the Bronze Medal of Merit.
The officers were among the first on the scene of a head-on crash near mile marker 90 on Queen Kaahumanu Highway. They assisted in helping the injured persons exit a burning vehicle and applied basic life support techniques, including a tourniquet applied by Officer Robinson, to a severely injured party, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
The crash killed 35-year-old Cassandra “Cassie” Lynn Ellis and severely injured her daughters, Taylor Campogan, 15, and Trinity Campogan, 10 and Taylor’s best friend Kawena Haserot, also 15.