Good Samaritan and first responders honored at Fire Commission meeting
Published on February 18, 2025
LĪHU‘E — At Tuesday’s Fire Commission meeting, the Kaua‘i Fire Department honored a good Samaritan and several first responders for saving the life of a resident last December.
Good Samaritan Megan Gayagas, Kaua‘i Police Department Dispatcher Ashley Rapozo, members of the Kauai Fire Department Līhu‘e Fire Station, and several personnel from American Medical Response, saved the life of Melissa Gregory after she collapsed in the Longs Drugs store checkout line in Līhu‘e on Dec. 20, 2024.
“Stepping in during an emergency isn’t for everyone. Thankfully, there are people like Megan. Bravehearts like Megan and our first responder community that we often take for granted living in a small community,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, “This is what makes Kaua‘i so special. We can always count on someone to step up and help a stranger in need. We are extremely blessed.”
In the critical moment when Melissa Gregory collapsed, Megan Gayagas immediately took action, calling 911. With guidance from KPD Dispatcher Ashley Rapozo and her previous CPR training, Gayagas began administering bystander CPR. As emergency responders were already in motion, off-duty firefighter Cy O’Brien was alerted to the emergency through the PulsePoint app and happened to be in the area. He immediately responded to the scene and assisted first responders.
Gregory became emotional as she expressed her gratitude to those who saved her life.
“I am blessed and lucky to live on Kaua‘i,” said Gregory. “Thank you, everyone, for having me here today. I have a husband, our two children, and our two dogs. I am just so blessed. Thank you very, very much.”
“This event is a powerful reminder of the critical importance of bystander CPR and the seamless collaboration between our community members, dispatchers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. Thanks to their efforts, Melissa is alive today,” said Deputy Chief Roger Mills at today’s ceremony.
The community is encouraged to download PulsePoint Respond. The app is free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store by searching for “PulsePoint.”
PulsePoint Respond alerts users trained in CPR and willing to assist in an emergency, notifying them if someone nearby is experiencing a cardiac emergency. The app is location-aware, sending alerts to those trained in CPR when a cardiac event occurs in a public space. In addition to notifying citizens, the app directs users to the nearest publicly accessible Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which is crucial in providing immediate aid while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
The following were honored on Tuesday:
Community
Megan Gayagas
Kaua‘i Police Department Dispatch
Ashley Rapozo
Līhu‘e Fire Station, Rescue 3
Fire Captain Kilipaki Vaughan
Firefighter Jonathan Martin
Firefighter Alden Lind
AMR/MEDIC 25
Paramedic Jonathan Kusano
Paramedic Keavy Brennan
EMT Giorgio Diequez
Off-Duty Firefighter
Firefighter Cy O’Brien
Megan Gayagas and emergency responders were honored today at the Fire Commission Meeting.
From left to right: Melissa Gregory (patient), Megan Gayagas (good Samaritan).
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami giving remarks at Tuesday's Fire Commission Meeting.
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