Five Kauaʻi police officers honored for saving a life

At the Kauaʻi Police Commission meeting on Friday, five officers with the Kaua‘i Police Department were honored for saving a life due to their swift and decisive actions.

On April 3, Sgt. David Phillips and officers Creighton Tamagawa, Isaiah Sarsona, Zachariah Smith and Vernon Basuel responded to a report involving a subject suffering from multiple life-threatening wounds that were self-inflicted.

Upon arriving at the scene, Tamagawa immediately administered crucial first aid. Smith secured the weapon and assisted with stabilizing the injured person. Sarsona applied a blanket to maintain pressure on the wounds and calmed a highly agitated relative. Basuel cleared access for arriving paramedics and guiding them directly to the injured person, according to the police department.

“These officers exemplify the very best of public service,” Chief Todd Raybuck said. “Their rapid, coordinated and decisive actions provided essential care that ultimately saved this individual’s life.”

He said their teamwork in a high-stress situation is a “powerful reminder of the dedication our officers bring to every call.”

In recognition of their outstanding performance, the officers were named Employees of the Month for April 2025.