HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-16-14 Thank you from J. Campbell - Hanakapiai rescueJessica Campbell
8140 Willow Ranch Trail
Reno, Nevada 89523
April 16, 2014
Robert Westerman
Fire Chief
Kauai Fire Department
Dear Mr. Westerman,
It's difficult to put into words the gratitude I have for your department. I was among
the 121 hikers rescued from Hanakapi'ai, Kalalau Trail. I was also among the 20 or
so people at the top of the trail near the falls. At 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 6th, 2014, my
group of six headed out on the Kalalau Trail. Close to noon we made it to the last
river crossing before Hanakapi'ai Falls when we saw a dad distressed and in shock
holding his stunned 3.5 year old. He told us his son was trapped on the other side of
the river. We looked over and sure enough, Zach, his son, was wet, shaking, and
perched precariously on the rock wall across the now raging river.
We tended to the family for several minutes. My sister and I decided to run down to
Ke'e for help. We made it about three - quarters of a mile down and could not cross
the river safely. It was pouring rain and the river was rising. Between our group of
six and six other people we had just met, we hunkered down and built a leaf and
stick shelter. We took turns rotating to help Rich, Marla, and Zach. We gave them our
jackets, shared food, water, and as much encouragement as we could muster. Then
we waited. We waited and hoped for rescue. There was no possible way for us to
safely retrieve Zach. Hours passed, night was approaching. We were all getting
nervous that we would be staying the night up there. The thought of that family
staying the night on the trail was unbearable. What's worse, we feared for Zach's
life. If he were to fall asleep on that ledge, his life could be over.
Just when darkness was beginning to set in and our hope was beginning to dwindle,
your team arrived. We heard the helicopter and our relief and joy was
overwhelming. To Aaron Hawthorne and Adam Hussey, thank you for coming down
out of the sky, harnessing us up one -by -one and delivering us to safety. Thank you,
Cliff Cates, for tirelessly piloting the helicopter with such precision. I know there
were other members of the Kauai Fire Department coordinating our rescue and I
thank each and every one of you.
If bringing us to safety weren't enough, Aaron and Adam stayed with us the entire
night. For ten straight hours, these two went above and beyond to ensure the fire
never went out, foraging for wood whenever it was running low. That fire made all
the difference to so many of us that night. They laughed with us and cared for us
with warmth, kindness, and confidence. Having them both near our camp all night
kept our spirits high until our final rescue at daybreak.
will never look at another fire fighter the same way. I now intimately know the
risks you each take and the sacrifices you make to ensure the safety of others. That
day it was evident to all 121 of us that we were in excellent hands.
My deepest respect and gratitude to you, Kauai Fire Department,
Mahalo nui loa,
Jessica Campbell