"It was neat to see that there are so many people that get honored for all the good things they've done," said Tupman, of Newport Beach. "We all went our separate ways after the rescue so it was nice to see the group get back together. Everybody was really proud to be a part of that rescue."
Dylan Scott, then-13, had dug the hole, then the walls caved in and he was buried alive. Tupman, alarmed when he saw Dylan's mother frantically searching for her son, offered to help. It wasn't long before beachgoers and safety personnel scrambled to pull Dylan out. When they did, he was unconscious and not breathing. Lifeguards revived Dylan, and he was released without health complications.
Off-duty lifeguard Andrew Belden was surfing with his friend when he heard Tupman yelling for help.
"I just tried to get out of the water as fast as I could," Belden, 21, said. Reflecting on the award he had just received, Belden added, "It was a huge honor. It's really nice to be held in the same regard as firefighters, police officers and paramedics."
Newport Beach Officer Brice Hardy, who was among those digging, also said he was "honored by the honor." Also among those honored was 7-year-old Emily Anastos of Newport Beach. Emily, nominated by Orange County Medical Services, received the Youth Good Samaritan award for her persistence in drawing attention to flames engulfing her elderly neighbor's Eastbluff home last July..
Nominations for the award were open to the public, and award selections were made by a panel of community judges. Proceeds of the event, hosted by KOCE's Ed Arnold, benefit the Orange County Red Cross.
