HARRISON HIRSCH, a lifelong visitor to Northport Point, recently received the U.S. Coast Guard’s highest personal ribbon award for his work to help evacuate a sick woman from a cruise ship last year during a tropical storm. A lifelong summer visitor was recently commended for his actions in conjunction with a medical evacuation in the waters of Puerto Rico.

Aviation Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Harrison R. Hirsch, United States Coast Guard, has been awarded the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation Ribbon, the highest personal ribbon award of the USCG.

Hirsch’s crew was dispatched in the wake of tropical storm Maria to evacuate a 60-year-old woman suffering from a pulmonary embolism aboard a cruise ship.

“Despite … extremely challenging conditions, your precise conning commands and calm demeanor enabled a safe and expeditious series of difficult noises, safely recovering the nurse, victim and rescue swimmer aboard the helicopter,” the letter of commendation states.

Upon arrival at the mainland airport, there was no medical transport waiting to take the ailing woman to the hospital. Hirsch’s crew then made the decision to take off from the airport with only 250 lbs. of fuel remaining.

“Due to your diligent efforts, the victim was delivered safely to the hospital via ambulance and received necessary medical care. Your actions during this rescue directly results in one life saved,” his letter of commendation stated. Hirsch hails from Cincinnati but is a lifelong visitor to Northport Point. He is the son of Geoff and Goody Hirsch and grandson of Molly Harrison of Northport Point.

He and his wife Liz, also a member of the Coast Guard, will be in the county this weekend for the wedding of Hirsch’s brother, Charlie at Northport Point.