JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- On June 24, Honolulu Police Department Officer Star Shelton merged onto Interstate H-3, when she collided with a truck that threw her off her motorcycle.
Following her crash, Shelton found herself receiving aid from three military members.
“We worked as a team while we were out there,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Christopher Piha, Pacific Air Forces Logistics Directorate weapons system support branch chief.
Piha, along with U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Arielle Heald, 15th Wing Legal Office assistant staff advocate, and U.S. Army Spc. Justin Cantrell, 21st Infantry Regiment, were some of the first on-site to help assist and took charge of the situation while awaiting first responders.
When Piha arrived, he saw Heald assisting with keeping people away and directing traffic and Cantrell was with Shelton and on the phone with 911. Piha asked if Cantrell needed a first aid kit and pulled over to help.
Piha and Cantrell evaluated Shelton and determined her injuries were mainly external, but they suspected she had a possible head injury. All three military members helped to keep her talking and alert by introducing themselves and asking Shelton questions while making sure she did not move.
“I just wanted her to be okay,” said Heald. “It was nice having other military members there, we banded together.”
When first responders arrived, the members gave them an update on Shelton’s condition and gave statements to the police.
“When things get stressful, you just have to get the job done,” said Heald. “Being a lawyer, you have to keep your wits about you in court when you’re under pressure.”
Shelton was released from the hospital the same day and is recovering from her injuries at home.
“Star has probably saved more lives, had more interactions with the local community, and made more impact on the community than any of us,” said Piha. "She is a hero, and it was just our opportunity to give back.”