The Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaiʻi recognized South Hilo Patrol Officer Benjamin Nishimoto as 2021 Officer of the Year and Hawai‘i Fire Department Emergency Medical Services Specialist II Elijah McDaniel as Firefighter of the Year during a ceremony in Hilo on March 21.

Officer Nishimoto, a 13-year veteran of the department, was recognized for his bravery and valor in the line of duty during an active domestic dispute that he and other officers responded to last June between a mother and son. The male suspect, who was in the garage, told officers that everything was fine but appeared agitated and anxious and went back into the house. Officer Nishimoto proceeded to the front door and, as he was talking to the female victim, heard the familiar sound of a round being chambered in bolt-action rifle.  Seeing the suspect emerge from the back of the kitchen with a rifle at the ready, Officer Nishimoto alerted his fellow officers, giving them precious extra time to retreat and seek cover as the suspect opened fire on the officers. Without hesitation or regard for his own personal safety, Officer Nishimoto was able to bring the incident to an end. His courage and quick thinking saved the lives of his coworkers and the people within the residence.

For Firefighter of the Year, McDaniel was recognized for his dedication to serving his community and his professional leadership. He has been with the fire department for 14 years and trained as an Emergency Medical Services Specialist for more than a decade. McDaniel was praised for working well under pressure in stressful situations, as well as the way he interacts with patients, community, and coworkers effectively and professionally, always demonstrating a willingness to serve.

Also attending the ceremony and recognized were 2020 Office of the Year Joshua Willing and 2019 Firefighter of the Year Battalion Chief William Bergin. 

Every month the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i honors a police officer in East Hawaiʻi as their officer of the month. Officers are nominated by their supervisors from the police districts in Area I, including Hāmākua, North Hilo, South Hilo, and Puna, and a winner is selected. All officers selected for Officer of the Month are eligible to be selected as the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i Officer of the Year. The club previously honored Officer Nishimoto as Officer of the month for June 2021. The Firefighter of the Year nominee is submitted to the Club by the fire chief.
 
Photo credit: HPD