On Thanksgiving Day, my puppy slipped out of our yard and wandered nearly a quarter mile up busy Hāna Highway to Ku’au Store.

I didn’t realize he was missing until one of my nieces told me a fireman was at our house — with my dog in his arms.

Firefighter Walsh explained that he had found Buddy at the store. Because Buddy had no tag, he took the time to figure out where he belonged and offered helpful suggestions to keep him safe and identifiable.

I am deeply grateful to firefighter Walsh; not only for securing Buddy, but for going the extra mile to return him to his ‘ohana.

He even climbed over our fence to bring Buddy home and climb back over to rejoin his crew. His dedication reflects the true character of our Maui County Fire Fighters.

Helmets off to Firefighter Walsh for embodying the best of the Maui Fire Department.

Lui Hokoana

Kula