California State Firefighters’ Association Medal of Valor Awards Ceremony to Honor Heroes From Throughout the State

Sacramento banquet recognizes both civilian and professional first responders

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Saturday, October 20, 2012, California State Firefighters’ Association (CSFA) will recognize firefighters, peace officers and civilians from throughout the state who have exhibited great courage in order to save the life of another. CSFA will present these heroes with the prestigious CSFA Medal of Valor at a dinner banquet at the Capitol Plaza Holiday Inn, 300 J Street, in Sacramento. Former political journalist Kevin Riggs, will act as Master of Ceremonies.

“These recipients, some of whom are not trained professionals, rose to the challenge, and facing dangerous situations, made split-second decisions to help another.”

“CSFA is proud to recognize those who have demonstrated extraordinary acts of bravery,” noted CSFA President Kevin Nida. “These recipients, some of whom are not trained professionals, rose to the challenge, and facing dangerous situations, made split-second decisions to help another.”

About CSFA

Headquartered in Sacramento, California State Firefighters’ Association, founded in 1922, is California’s oldest statewide fire service trade association representing all facets of the California fire service with a variety of benefits. For more information visit www.csfa.net.

EVENT SYNOPSIS

PROGRAM: Opening ceremony (featuring firefighter honor guard and bagpiper), welcoming remarks, dinner and presentation of awards. Former political journalist Kevin Riggs will read a brief description of each heroic incident before the presentation of the Valor Medal (see below for a list of recipients by geographic area).

VISUALS: Uniformed firefighters and police officers, firefighter honor guard and bagpiper, antique steamer fire engine and trained Dalmatian dog.

WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday, October 20, 2012.

WHERE: Capitol Plaza Holiday Inn, 300 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

2012 CSFA Medal of Valor Award Recipients
(Ordered by geographic location of incident)

CENTRAL VALLEY:
Daniel Schindler
Montezuma Fire Protection District
Rescue of drowning victims from the Sacramento River.

LOS ANGELES/LONG BEACH/ORANGE CO. AREA:
Jonathan Kincaid
Los Angeles Police Department
Pried open a security door from a burning home to rescue a trapped woman.

Anthony Farias
Seree E. Rattanapichetkul
Los Angeles Police Department
Rescue of an 89-year-old woman from a burning, smoke-filled home.

Gary Albin, civilian
Christopher Rowe
Long Beach Fire Department
Rescue of an elderly woman from a burning, smoke-filled home.

Robert Davidson
Orange County Fire Authority
Jeremy Pierce
Cal Fire
Craig Ritter
Fountain Valley Fire Department
Traveling past an accident scene, off-duty firefighters stopped and aided crash victims.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA:
Jesse Edwards, civilian
Roseville
Rescue of two victims trapped in a burning vehicle.

Elaine Johnson, civilian
Carmichael
Rescue of two toddlers from a burning sport utility vehicle.

SAN DIEGO AREA:
Joseph Heightman, officer
California Highway Patrol, Escondido
Rescue of person from a burning automobile.

Jennifer Mahin, civilian
Carlsbad
Teenager who rescued another teenager from ocean current.