Honoring Huntington Beach’s First Responders

Celebrating National First Responders Day with the Heroes Who Keep Our Community Safe

How do you thank the people who protect everyone else? In Huntington Beach, we did it the best way we know how—by bringing them together to honor their work and dedication, and share their stories.

On October 15, Nuvision Credit Union hosted its annual First Responders Appreciation Lunch at the Huntington Beach Police Department. Officers, firefighters, and marine safety crews filled the event—people who are used to being on call -- not sitting still. For a few hours, they could relax, share a meal, and honor three of their own, whose work defines what service really looks like.

The luncheon came ahead of National First Responders Day on October 28, a day established by Congress in 2017 to recognize the men and women who face danger head-on—police, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, and others who protect the rest of us when it matters most.

This Year’s Honorees

During the luncheon, Nuvision was proud to recognize and honor several amazing officers for their service with the Nuvision Heroes Award:

Fire Captain Drew DiPaola – Firefighter of the Year

A Navy veteran turned firefighter, Captain DiPaola has built his career on leadership and calm under pressure. From wildfire deployments to community preparedness programs, his focus has always been on protecting others and keeping his crews safe. Most recently, he helped launch the “Stop the Bleed” initiative, ensuring every Huntington Beach high school classroom is equipped with life-saving first aid kits.

Marine Safety Specialist Jakob Kress – Marine Safety Officer of the Year

Jakob’s story began as a summer lifeguard and grew into a full-time career spent training others to respect and protect the ocean. Whether he’s coordinating rescues or mentoring young lifeguards through the Junior Guard Program, his steady leadership has made a lasting mark on Huntington Beach’s Marine Safety Division.

Officer Mike Carsten – Police Officer of the Year

Known for his mentorship and quiet professionalism, Officer Carsten has more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement. During his five years on the Homeless Task Force, he worked to connect people with shelter and support, earning a reputation for compassion that defines what public service should look like.

Connected by Service

The same dedication shown in Huntington Beach extends far beyond city lines. In Anchorage, Firefighter/Paramedic Jayson Russell turned the program that shaped his own career—the Anchorage Fire Explorers—into a path for the next generation. He mentors students, teaches real firefighting skills, and helps them discover leadership through service. Many of his former Explorers have since joined departments across Alaska.

Officer Melissa Lampert, also in Anchorage, brings that same heart to her community. She leads programs like Shop with a Hero and the Clothesline Project, creating moments of hope for families who’ve faced loss or hardship. Her work reminds people that every badge represents a person who cares deeply about the community they serve.

Different cities, different roles—but the same belief runs through them all: service doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off.

Honoring Those Who Show Up When It Matters

How do you thank people who never ask for it? You sit down with them. You listen. You let them know the local community doesn’t take what they do and sacrifice for granted.

Every day, first responders walk into situations most of us only hear about later. They do it quietly, without looking for credit or recognition. That’s why Nuvision Heroes exists—to shine a light on the people behind the uniform and the work they do when no one’s watching.

This month, during National First Responders Month, we had the chance to do that in person—celebrating the men and women who keep our communities safe and sharing their stories so others can see what true service looks like.