Volunteers lauded for effort

The Newport Beach Fire Department recognized the efforts of its Community Emergency Response Team on Friday night at an awards banquet at the Newport Coast Community Center.

Newport Beach volunteer Kate Mulvehill was recognized for using the Heimlich Maneuver to rescue her father from choking on a piece of steak in December.

Mulvehill credited her Community Emergency Response Team training with helping her to save her father’s life.

Karen Tringali was named volunteer of the year; Fire Captain Rob Beuch received the Kevin Pryor Memorial CERT Instructor of the Year, and Nancy Moran-Sanchez received the Spirit of CERT award.

The Newport Beach Fire Department named Balboa Island the CERT neighborhood of the year, led by volunteers Chris and Debra Boelkes.

Seasonal lifeguard Trever Gregory also was awarded a certificate of appreciation at the banquet.