HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.– In recognition of the men and women who protect and serve local communities, Nuvision Credit Union hosted its annual First Responders Appreciation Luncheon honoring Huntington Beach police, fire and marine safety personnel ahead of National First Responders Day on Oct. 28.
Held at the Huntington Beach Police Department, the event brought together local first responders for a celebration of service and community, with Nuvision providing lunch and refreshments to more than 270 police, fire and public safety personnel.
A highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of the Nuvision Heroes Awards, recognizing three outstanding Huntington Beach first responders for their dedication, leadership and service to the community:
- Police Officer Jonathan O’Hearn – Huntington Beach Police Department Officer of the Year
- Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Ferguson – Huntington Beach Firefighter of the Year
- Marine Safety Captain Leslie Schwene – Huntington Beach Marine Safety Officer of the Year
“National First Responders Day is an opportunity to express our deep gratitude and appreciation for the brave men and women who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe,” said Roger Ballard, President and CEO of Nuvision Credit Union. “First responders are there when we need them most, often putting their own safety at risk to protect others. Through this luncheon, we are honored to personally thank these dedicated individuals and recognize Jonathan, Kyle and Leslie as Nuvision Heroes for their outstanding service and commitment to the Huntington Beach community.”
For Officer Jonathan O’Hearn, serving Huntington Beach is an opportunity to give back to a community that has given him so much. He credits his fellow officers and the city’s fire and marine safety teams for their shared commitment to public service.
“It’s an honor for all of us as first responders to be supported and recognized by the community,” said O’Hearn. “Being honored by Nuvision is really a testament to the kind of officers we have in our department. I work alongside an incredible group of officers, firefighters and marine safety personnel who are equally deserving of recognition for their efforts to help our community.”
For Firefighter and Paramedic Kyle Ferguson, serving Huntington Beach carries special meaning. His father began his career as a Huntington Beach firefighter in 1981, establishing a family legacy of public service that Ferguson is proud to continue.
“I’m very grateful to Nuvision for supporting us and recognizing the work we do,” said Ferguson. “So many people have helped me get to this point, and I see this as a team award rather than an individual honor. It’s a privilege to represent the amazing people I serve alongside and those who served before me.”
Marine Safety Captain Leslie Schwene has spent much of her life dedicated to protecting Huntington Beach’s coastline. In 2022, she made history as the city’s first female Marine Safety Captain. Her journey began at age nine in the Huntington Beach Junior Lifeguard program, which she now oversees as captain.
Her recognition comes as Southern California coastal communities continue to face periods of hazardous surf and dangerous rip currents, underscoring the critical role marine safety personnel play in protecting beachgoers and responding to ocean emergencies.
“It’s an honor to receive the Nuvision Heroes Award, and I’m grateful for the support Nuvision shows all of our first responders,” said Schwene. “I grew up in Huntington Beach, starting in the Junior Lifeguard program as a little girl, and now I have the privilege of serving the community I love. Mentoring young people is a big part of my story, and I hope little girls can look at me and say, ‘I can do that, too.’”
Nuvision’s annual First Responders Appreciation Luncheon reflects the credit union’s longstanding commitment to supporting the men and women who serve and protect local communities.
Through its NuvisionCares initiatives, community partnerships and recognition events, Nuvision continues to celebrate first responders, military personnel and veterans whose service and sacrifices make a lasting difference in the communities they call home.
