Retired officers honored for rescue

Three Costa Mesa police officers and one from Newport Beach were recognized for their lifesaving efforts at an Emergency Medical Services awards ceremony in Santa Ana on Tuesday.

Retired Costa Mesa Officer and police helicopter pilot Vern Hupp and retired Newport Beach police Officer Bob Rivers were recognized for their aerial prowess during a dramatic rescue off the Newport Beach coast last October. Thanks to both men’s efforts, Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol deputies were able to find a drowning man despite a lack of visibility and choppy waters. Costa Mesa Officers Rob Dimel and Paul McCarthy, both also part of the helicopter program, were recognized for their ability to locate and guide authorities to a downed hiker at Crystal Cove State Park in June.

— Joseph Serna