Founders of the Daniel R. Sayre Foundation – Laura Mallery-Sayre and Frank Sayre. (Photo courtesy of Anna Pacheco)

MEDIA RELEASE

The Daniel Robert Sayre Memorial Foundation presented the Hawaii County Fire Department (HCFD) with close to $60,000 of equipment in an April 19 ceremony at Hapuna Beach State Park.

Donors, Foundation committee members, County and State officials gathered to thank the HCFD for all that they do for their communities each and every day.

A significant piece of the new equipment is a Long Range Communication System for Hapuna Beach; the purchase of the system was made possible through a gift from the Ironman Foundation.

The equipment, which was demonstrated during the ceremony, makes it possible for ocean safety officers to communicate with beach goers and swimmers more efficiently.

Also presented were 36 Buoyancy Compensator Devices (used with diving equipment), diving alert systems and safety equipment, cold weather gear, Automated External Defibrillator’s, Rescue Boards, Binoculars, CMC Harness Rescue Equipment, an Emergency Medical Services Cell Booster Kit and GPS Systems.

OluKai representative and Waterman Hall of Famer Archie Kalepa was on hand to present and showcase specially crafted foot wear for all ocean safety officers.

The Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation was founded by Laura and Frank Sayre of Kona following the death of their son, Daniel, in a fall in Pololu Valley.

The couple was so moved and impressed by the determined efforts of the HCFD to recover their son’s body they began their effort to ensure the Fire Department had the rescue equipment it needed.

Over the past 17 years the Sayres have spearheaded a fundraising effort that has resulted in close to $1 million in equipment donations to the County of Hawaii. All facets of the fire department are positively affected by the gifting.

“We are so grateful to our community and our guests for their generosity in supporting the Foundation’s goal to continue to provide life-saving equipment and training to the Hawaii County Fire Department. Together we are making a difference,” said Laura Mallery-Sayre, co-founder and Executive Director.

This year’s Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Annual Awards Dinner and Fundraiser is Saturday, Aug. 30 at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii at Mauna Lani Resort, with the silent auction starting at 4:30 p.m.

This is the 17th dinner and fundraiser held by the Foundation.

In 2013 the sold-out event raised more than $100,000.