California State Firefighters' Association Presents Medal of Valor Awards

On Friday, October 17, 2008, the California State Firefighters' Association (CSFA) will recognize peace officers, firefighters, and civilians who have exhibited great courage and heroism in order to save the life of another. CSFA will present these recipients with the prestigious awards at a dinner banquet to be held at the Capital Plaza Holiday Inn, 300 J Street, Sacramento. The Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi will be the guest speaker. Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries, 66th District, will be the guest narrator for the event.

The California State Firefighters' Association (CSFA) is the state's oldest and largest firefighter association. CSFA serves over 24,000 firefighters from every county and every discipline, including professional, volunteer, and emergency medical services personnel.

According to CSFA President Kevin Nida, "CSFA is proud to recognize those who have demonstrated extraordinary acts of bravery. The Medal of Valor is the highest honor we can bestow." Nida added, "some of those being honored are not trained for the sort of heroics they performed, but they rose to the challenge and stood tall to make split-second decisions, facing incredibly dangerous circumstances."

WHAT: Firefighters' Association recognizes brave heroes who have risked their lives for others with a beautiful awards banquet.

PROGRAM: 6:00 pm Firefighter bag pipe performers

Firefighter Honor Guard

CSFA President Kevin Nida welcomes guests

6:15 pm Keynote by California Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi

7:00 pm Dinner is served

7:30 pm Assemblyman and former firefighter, Honorable Kevin Jeffries is the Master of Ceremonies and will read a brief description of each heroic incident.

VISUALS: Uniformed firefighters, police, sheriff's deputies, firefighter honor guard, firefighter bag pipe performers, Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi.

WHEN: 6:00 pm Friday October 17, 2008 opening ceremony followed by dinner, 7:00 pm awards presentations.

WHERE: Capitol Plaza Holiday Inn

300 J Street

Sacramento, CA

CSFA Medal of Valor Award Recipients:

Northern California:

Brian Sikora, Civilian Shingle Springs
Injured while rescuing construction site victim

Raymond Rainey, Civilian Sacramento
Rescued pinned truck driver from flames

Jeff Smith, Fire Chief, Little Lake F.D.
Confronted an armed gunman, then rendered first aid to shooting victims

Claude Walker, Civilian Rocklin
Brandon Mattes, Civilian Antelope
Rescued driver trapped inside a burning vehicle

Francisco Leon, Civilian Stockton
Duane Catolico, Civilian Lockeford
Ben DeBerry, Civilian Lockeford
Rescued trapped victim from car fire

Andy Davis, Officer Sacramento P.D.
Gregory Galliano, Officer Sacramento P.D.
Caleb Peckinpaugh, Officer Sacramento P.D.
Heroic attempt to save the life of an accident victim.

Central Valley:

Aaron Taylor, Officer CHP
Kelley Walker, Officer CHP
Rescued passenger from vehicle caught fire.

Bay Area:

John Anderson, Officer Fremont P.D.
Brian Shadle, Officer Freemont P.D.
Officers rescued victim of an apartment fire.

Los Angeles Area:

Dale Nordberg, Firefighter/Paramedic
Beverly Hills Fire Department
Off-duty FF/Paramedic rescued victim from fiery vehicle.

Mark Black, Officer, Tustin Police Department
Rescued pinned truck driver before cab was engulfed in fire

Michael Warren, Captain
Los Angeles County Fire Department
Rescued man attempting suicide on the freeway

Christopher Chavez, LA County Sheriff's Deputy
Graham Young, Sergeant
Jared Madsen, Officer (Merit Award)
National City Police Department
Underwater rescue attempt of a driver who crashed over a bridge

Ryan Fagan, Firefighter, LA County Fire Dept.
Ryan Yoman, Civilian Burbank
Off-duty firefighter and friend rescued an elderly woman from her burning home.

Joshua Radwan, Civilian Laguna Hills
Sean Hooper, Civilian Mission Viejo
Manual Fuentes, Civilian Heroes saved driver trapped in a burning car

Edward Harrold, LA County Sheriff's Deputy
Don Roberts, Civilian
Scott Hanna, Civilian
Rescued driver in a multi-vehicle traffic accident

Inland Empire:

Lisa Blow, Civilian Apple Valley
Brent Cannon, Firefighter
San Bernardino County Fire Department
Off-duty firefighter and civilian rescue three children from a burning home

Ryan Nitzsche, Civilian Desert Hot Springs
Ricardo Landeros, Civilian
Desert Hot Springs Rescued a man from a burning house

Paul Abshire, Sergeant
Luciano Coiantuono, Officer
Paola Ramos, Officer
Palm Springs Police Department
Officers rescue driver trapped in a burning car

Tony Jolin, Officer
Steve Paixao, Officer
Michael Vasquez, Officer
Palm Desert Police Department
Rescued an elderly woman from an apartment fire

San Diego County:

Michael Wagstaff, Pilot U.S. Forest Service
Tony Webber, Pilot San Diego Sheriff's Department
Steven Shoemaker, Captain CAL FIRE
Piloting separate helicopters, rescued injured firefighters and civilians in highly hazardous fire conditions.

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