From rough surf to raw courage, first responders who jumped into dangerous post-typhoon waters to save a woman at Ypao Beach were honored at the Guam Congress Building with life-saving awards.

A Friday presentation recognized Park Police, Guam Police officers, and Guam Fire Department medics for a high-risk rescue just one day after Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

According to officials, the woman entered the water despite warnings — walking along a rocky ledge before jumping into surf described as rough and extremely dangerous. Within moments, strong currents dragged her about 10 to 15 feet from shore — into waters estimated around 10 feet deep — as she began to go under.

That's when Park Police officers made a split-second decision. Lieutenant Anthony Martinez and Sergeant Joseph Gabutin jumped into the water — fighting powerful currents and crashing waves to reach her. From the shoreline, Sergeant Roque Pangelinan saw the woman submerging — immediately radioing for help before entering the water himself to assist.

As conditions continued to worsen — with waves slamming into the rocks and officers struggling to stay above water —additional responders moved in.

A second team, including Lieutenant Keane Pangelinan, arrived — calling in backup from Guam Police and Fire.

Using a rope system as a makeshift harness, responders were able to pull the woman up over slippery, jagged rocks and out of the surf. Medics treated both the woman and exhausted officers on scene — before she was transported for further care.

Officials say the rescue was a true team effort — carried out in some of the most dangerous conditions first responders face.

Warren Pelletier Deputy Director, Dept. of Parks & Recreation, said, "The challenges these gentleman went through- the Fire Department, the Police Department and Park Police for putting your lives out there on the line, to save this individual. It happened during the storm, and they wasted no time in activating what they needed to do."

Ten first responders were recognized with life-saving awards — honored for their courage, quick actions, and commitment to protecting life, even in the face of dangerous seas.

Joey Terlaje, Superintendent of the Park Police, said, "Every day you go out and you risk your lives and to preserve life and it has to be recognized and that's why when I heard about the incident and saw everything, that's what prompted me to reach out to the powers that be and let it be known that these are the things these guys do almost on a daily basis to go out there and protect life. So thank you so very much for everything you guys do."

Ten first responders were awarded for their heroism — recognized not just for their actions in the moment, but for their commitment to protecting lives, even in the most dangerous conditions.