LĪHU‘E, Hawaii — The Kaua‘i Police Department honored Emergency Services Dispatcher Stephanie Neher as its April Employee of the Month after she stopped at an off-duty crash scene and performed CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived, according to a County of Kaua‘i press release.

Police said the March 16, 2026 crash happened at about 5:50 a.m. at Kūhiō Highway and Kuamoʻo Road in Wailua and involved an electric motorcycle operator and a sport utility vehicle. The motorcyclist sustained serious injuries and was transported to Oʻahu for further care, according to the department.

Neher was off duty when she encountered the aftermath of the collision, the department said. She rendered aid at the scene and performed CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived.

The agency said Neher’s intervention helped sustain the injured motorcyclist until advanced medical treatment could be provided. Afterward, she reported to her scheduled shift and continued working despite the emotional impact of the incident.

“Dispatcher Neher’s actions are a true testament to the caliber of our personnel,” Chief Rudy Tai said in the release. “She went above and beyond the call of duty, directly contributing to the saving of a life. She serves as a role model for future dispatchers, and we are proud to honor her with this award.”

Recognition at the Police Commission

Neher was formally commended during a Kaua‘i Police Commission meeting, according to the county announcement. The department’s source photo shows Chief Rudy Tai with Emergency Services Dispatcher Stephanie Neher.

The case is a reminder that public-safety service does not always begin when someone is on the clock. Sometimes it is an off-duty dispatcher recognizing a medical emergency, beginning CPR and staying composed enough to return to the communications center afterward.

Sources reviewed

Editorial note: This article uses only public agency information, avoids adding private medical details beyond what police released, and uses a real Kaua‘i Police Department source photo rather than AI-generated rescue imagery.