Hawaii is often seen as a paradise of peaceful beaches and serene sunsets, but behind the postcard-perfect scenery, emergencies arise that call for quick action.

On September 27, Officer Matthew Kaluahine, Officer Jesse Castro and Sergeant Jason Scalzo were honored by the Kauai Police Commission for making an extremely brave rescue earlier this summer near Waikoko Beach in Hanalei.

When the officers arrived at the scene of an emergency traffic collision, they found a made-for-television action scene in front of them. A vehicle was perched precariously on the side of a steep cliff, lodged between two trees, smack dab above a 30-foot drop down to the ocean.

The officers quickly devised a plan to secure the vehicle by anchoring it to their patrol truck with a tow strap. Officer Kaluahine then rappelled down to the car and found that an unresponsive male was inside. He secured the vehicle with an additional tow strap to prevent further movement and remained with the man until the local fire department arrived to conduct the extraction.

“Although they were uncertain if anyone remained inside the vehicle, these officers did not hesitate,” Assistant Chief Kalani Ke told Kauai Now News.