Nuvision Credit Union Honors Huntington Beach First Responders at Annual Appreciation Luncheon

More than 270 local first responders joined us for lunch on October 6, and three of them were recognized with Nuvision Heroes Awards.

On October 6, police officers, firefighters and marine safety personnel from around Huntington Beach stopped by the Huntington Beach Police Department for Nuvision's annual First Responders Appreciation Luncheon, held ahead of National First Responders Day on October 28.

We provided lunch and refreshments for more than 270 first responders. It's a small way to say thank you to the people who show up when someone in  in the community needs help. That might be a medical call, a fire or a swimmer in trouble. A lot of that work goes unnoticed, and this time each year  we take time to recognize our local First Responders for the amazing work they do. "National First Responders Day is an opportunity to express our deep gratitude and appreciation for the brave men and women who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe," said Roger Ballard, President and CEO of Nuvision Credit Union. "First responders are there when we need them most, often putting their own safety at risk to protect others."

This Year's Nuvision Heroes

We started Nuvision Heroes to recognize people whose service, leadership and willingness to help others deserve more attention than they usually get. At this year's luncheon, we presented Nuvision Heroes Awards to three people: this year's Huntington Beach Police Officer, Firefighter and Marine Safety Officer of the Year.

Their stories are all different, but they have a lot in common. All three talked about the people they work with as much as they talked about themselves.

Police Officer Jonathan O'Hearn, Huntington Beach Officer of the Year

Jonathan didn't grow up planning to be a police officer. His plan was to join the military and eventually teach history. That changed after he got to know some experienced officers who took the time to mentor him, starting when he was in high school.

Today, he talks a lot about teamwork and about working with people who push each other to get better. He sees being named Officer of the Year as a credit to his colleagues.

"Being recognized as Officer of the Year, to me, is a reflection of the caliber of people I have the privilege of working alongside with every day," Jonathan said.

Read Jonathan O'Hearn's Nuvision Heroes Story

Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Ferguson, Huntington Beach Firefighter of the Year

Kyle comes from a firefighting family. His father, Dave Ferguson, joined the Huntington Beach Fire Department in 1981, so Kyle grew up seeing what the job looked like up close, from medical calls to helping someone who was locked out of their car.

What he finds most rewarding now is helping people get through some of the hardest days of their lives. He's quick to point out that he doesn't do it alone, and he credits his fellow firefighters and his family for supporting his work and his involvement in the community.

"It is a great feeling to see my name on the trophy alongside people I have always considered giants of the profession," Kyle said. "Being chosen by my peers makes me feel that I'm doing something right."

Read Kyle Ferguson's Nuvision Heroes Story

Marine Safety Captain Leslie Schwene, Huntington Beach Marine Safety Officer of the Year

Leslie joined the Huntington Beach Junior Lifeguard program when she was nine years old. She became a lifeguard at 17 and eventually made marine safety her full-time career. In 2022, she became Huntington Beach's first female Marine Safety Captain.

Today, she runs the same Junior Lifeguard program she started in. She teaches kids how to stay safe in the ocean, and she knows some of them will end up lifeguards one day, just like she did.

"I am honored to be recognized as Marine Safety Officer of the Year," Leslie said. "I appreciate the Command staff for recognizing me for the work I do and appreciate all of the organizations who also recognize the Marine Safety Officer of the Year here in our community."

Read Leslie Schwene's Nuvision Heroes Story

Why We Do This

The luncheon is one of the ways we try to support the people who look out for the communities we serve. Through Nuvision Heroes, NuvisionCares and our community partnerships, we also recognize military personnel, veterans and others whose service makes a real difference.

This year's honorees are a good reminder that every uniform has a person behind it, with a family and a story of how they got there. Jonathan mentors the officers around him, Kyle is carrying on his dad's career, and Leslie is teaching kids the same things she learned on the sand when she was nine.

Thank you to everyone who came out to this year's luncheon, and to all the first responders who serve Huntington Beach the rest of the year.

Congratulations to Officer Jonathan O'Hearn, Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Ferguson, and Marine Safety Captain Leslie Schwene on receiving this year's Nuvision Heroes Awards. We're proud to recognize your service and thank you for everything you do to protect our community.