PENSACOLA, FL (July 22, 2026) |
PenAir Credit Union (PenAir) honored Lieutenant Philip Hoffman and Firefighter Dale Coulter of Escambia County Fire Rescue as the inaugural recipients of the PenAir CAPE Award during a ceremony held July 20 at Escambia County Fire Rescue Station 14. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify Courage, Authenticity, Purpose, and Empathy.
The award was inspired by an April rescue in which Lieutenant Hoffman and Firefighter Coulter helped a young boy caught in dangerous surf conditions. Less than 24 hours later, the firefighters were reunited with the child and his family during Superheroes Day at Studer Family Children's Hospital, a powerful moment that led to the creation of the PenAir CAPE Award.
"The PenAir CAPE Award was created to recognize ordinary people who do extraordinary things for others," said Jay Wells, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for PenAir Credit Union. "Lieutenant Hoffman and Firefighter Coulter are a powerful example of the impact one act of service can have on a family and a community."
The PenAir CAPE Award was established in partnership with Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation. This annual recognition will honor individuals whose actions make a lasting difference in the lives of others and inspire those around them through Courage, Authenticity, Purpose, and Empathy. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to recognizing the people and moments that inspire hope, healing, and service throughout the community.
"What makes this recognition so special is what it represents," said Adrienne Maygarden, President of Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation. "Our partnership with PenAir is built on a shared commitment to serving others and strengthening our community. Through initiatives like Superheroes Day and now the PenAir CAPE Award, we're able to shine a light on the individuals whose compassion, courage, and service make a lasting difference in the lives of those around them."
The story of Hoffman and Coulter embodies exactly what the CAPE Award was created to celebrate: ordinary people doing extraordinary things when others need them most.
"Our firefighters don't do this work for recognition," said Battalion Chief Steve Boothe of Escambia County Fire Rescue. "They answer the call because people need help. That's what makes this honor so meaningful. To see Lieutenant Hoffman and Firefighter Coulter recognized in this way reminds all of us that the work our crews do every day matters and has a lasting impact on the people we serve."
The PenAir CAPE Award will be presented annually in partnership with Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation to recognize individuals whose Courage, Authenticity, Purpose, and Empathy make a lasting difference in the lives of others and strengthen the communities they serve.
For these firefighters, the most meaningful part of the experience wasn't the recognition itself, but knowing the child was safe and doing well.
"We don't do this job expecting recognition," said Lieutenant Hoffman. "We're simply grateful we were able to be there when that family needed help. To see that little boy doing well and to be honored in this way is incredibly humbling.”
