LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT FOUNDATION PRESENTS

bbb WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2021 bbb DODGER STADIUM LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT FOUNDATION PRESENTS is the Los Angeles Fire Department’s annual awards ceremony honoring LAFD members for outstanding service PROGRAM above and beyond the call of duty. WELCOME Robert Kovacik, NBC4 Master of Ceremonies

PRESENTATION OF COLORS LAFD Color Guard

NATIONAL ANTHEM Firefighter Dennis Rodriguez Steve Donn

INVOCATION Chaplain George Negrete

REMARKS Mayor Eric Garcetti Fire Chief Ralph M. Terrazas Mike Ahmar, Chairman, LAFD Foundation

AWARDS PRESENTATION Fire Chief Ralph M. Terrazas

WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2021 | DODGER STADIUM

ERIC​ ​ G​ARCETTI MAYOR​

November 5, 2020

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the City of Los Angeles, welcome to the 2020 LAFD Medal of Valor Awards, hosted by the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. We may find ourselves celebrating under very different circumstances than in years past, but we have no greater honor than recognizing the bravery of the extraordinary Angelenos who put their lives on the line every day to protect our city. Our firefighters are true heroes in every sense of the term. We owe them our eternal gratitude for their unwavering courage; we hold in our hearts all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

I would like to extend a special congratulations to this year’s award recipients: Fire Station 9, FF III Cody Crippen, FF/PM Wesley Manning, Engineer Robert Medrano, Captain I Rob Scott, and Captain II Kenneth Willahan, as well as our organizational partners: Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) and Farmers Insurance.

These are extraordinary times, and the work of the LAFD and our partners has been critical in keeping Angelenos safe. You have stepped up in a remarkable way, and because of your service, Los Angeles is an even stronger city. I send my best wishes for a great event, and thank you for everything you do.

Sincerely,

ERIC GARCETTI Mayor

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT FOUNDATION

The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation (LAFD Foundation) was established in 2010 by corporate and civic leaders who recognized the need to alleviate the pressures of budgetary constraints. As the Department’s official non-profit partner, the Foundation supports the LAFD by providing firefighters with tools, training, and programmatic resources. Over the past two years alone, the LAFD Foundation has raised more than $10,690,000 for gear and equipment that helps protect communities and save lives.

EQUIPPING EVERY FIREFIGHTER ADOPT-A-FIRE-STATION PROGRAM City resources are finite. Demands on L.A. The Adopt-A-Fire-Station (AAFS) Program improves firefighters are seemingly endless. the working and living conditions for firefighters and paramedics in every fire station across Los The brave men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Angeles. When working in 24-hour shifts, these Department deserve every available advantage to stations also serve as a second home. Everyday help keep them safe and perform to the absolute essential appliances and exercise equipment best of their abilities sustain heavy wear-and-tear when used around The Foundation secures protective gear, crucial the clock. When appliances break down, repair/ equipment, and much more for all 3,500 LAFD replacements are not covered by the city’s budget. firefighters. From carcinogen-blocking hoods and heavy-duty flashlights to this year’s requests for FIVE MOST REQUESTED FIRE STATION ITEMS: • Ice maker • Washer/Dryer • Power and Hand Tools structure fire gloves and wildfire brush clearance • Exercise Equipment • Mattresses tools, the Foundation fulfills critical needs.

FUNDING LAFD PROGRAMS PRIORITIZING HEALTH & SAFETY Firefighters face an increased risk of developing Youth Programs cancer due to smoke and hazardous chemicals The Foundation funds four exceptional they are exposed to in the line of duty. In fact, LAFD Youth Programs — Girls Camp, Youth recent studies have shown that firefighters are F.I.R.E. Academy, Cadets, and Fire and EMS 14% more likely to die from cancer-related deaths Magnet High Schools. These programs offer than the general population. The Foundation students the opportunity to learn about a and LAFD leadership are working to combat career in fire service through engaging task- these statistics by providing equipment that will driven activities where they develop skills in help minimize exposure to carcinogens, and leadership, teamwork, and overall confidence. technology to extract carcinogens from turnout Leadership Academy jackets and pants post-incident. The Foundation sponsors The LAFD Leadership Academy, an intensive graduate-level course designed to cultivate the next generation of LAFD command staff.

▶ For more information, or to help fund one of the above projects, please visit SupportLAFD.org. CURRENT FUNDING NEEDS

The men and women of the LAFD have immediate funding needs for gear, equipment, and programs that help keep them safe in the line of duty. Robert Kovacik MASTER OF CEREMONIES These needs range from resources for wildfire season and widespread NBC4 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA emergencies, to equipment for everyday incidents and specialty units.

The LAFD Foundation works directly with LAFD leadership to identify ROBERT KOVACIK is an anchor and general assignment critical funding gaps and provides ways for the public to help. Donations reporter for NBC4. He can be seen on the weekday are channeled directly into tools and tangible resources that help evening newscasts at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. He is protect property and save lives. Donor dollars are spent swiftly and known for bringing viewers a local perspective and in- responsibly, making an immediate impact where they are needed most. depth coverage to national and international events. Kovacik has reported on many significant events, including the Las Vegas mass shooting and Manchester, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and cardiac monitoring England terrorist bombing attack, both in 2017, as well devices are used to monitor, diagnose, and treat life-threatening as the Orlando mass shooting when a gunman opened cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrests. Emergency medical fire in a nightclub in 2016. He was on-scene for the near- technicians (EMTs) and paramedics use this life-saving equipment collapse of the Oroville Dam in Northern California Approximately constantly, either at the scene of an emergency or while transporting and the 19 fallen firefighters of Prescott, Arizona. 97% of the patients to hospitals and trauma centers. The equipment currently in city’s budget use is more than a decade old and nearing the end of its service life. Kovacik was NBC4’s correspondent for the 2013 Papal The cost to purchase 275 state-of-the-art, wireless-enabled AEDs is Conclave in Rome, and, the year prior, he covered the for the LAFD approximately $630,000. Securing these AEDs is so important, that a summer Olympics in London; he was later honored goes towards donor is matching all donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $225,000. by the British Consul-General of Los Angeles for personnel costs, his reporting of the Games. Kovacik earned Emmy leaving just 3% Bailout Containment Systems are used as a last resort to provide a Awards for both international assignments. quick and safe method for firefighters to escape a structure that is on to fund essential fire or deemed unsafe. This system consists of three main components: Politically, Kovacik has covered Presidential debates equipment, a harness attachment, a descending rope, and a hook. The LAFD needs and primaries, including reporting in Washington, D.C. new technology to purchase new equipment and modify its existing system to ensure for the funeral of George H. W. Bush, in Cleveland for the maximum safety for the firefighters. The total cost needed is $438,000. Republican Convention, and New York City, where candidates and training Clinton and Trump awaited election returns in 2016. programs. Wildland Tool Kits are essential to combating wildfires. These tool kits Early in his career, Kovacik became the youngest anchor in include chainsaws, lightweight shovels, and specialty hand tools. They allow the nation’s largest television market, New York City, when he our firefighters to cut, dig and scrape away brush down to the soil to create was named anchor of KCET’s overnight venture, “Nightworld.” linear breaks or gaps in vegetation that help with fire containment. These Over the course of his career, Kovacik has been recognized tools are also used year-round for brush clearance and fire prevention. with several industry accolades, including multiple Emmy, Golden Mike, Associated Press, and Murrow Awards. He is passionate about causes that impact Southern Californians and regularly participates in community events throughout the region. Kovacik is an honors graduate of Brown University and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, where he also graduated with honors.

▶ For more information, or to help fund one of the above projects, please visit SupportLAFD.org. THE VALOR AWARDS

MEDAL OF VALOR LETTER OF The Medal of Valor is awarded to sworn SPECIAL COMMENDATION personnel who have demonstrated A Letter of Special Commendation is LAFD Foundation Board of Directors Los Angeles Fire Department Chief bravery at great risk to their own lives, awarded to department members who Mike Ahmar, Chair Ralph M. Terrazas beyond a doubt and clearly above the perform an act requiring initiative and/ Marc Ackerman, Vice Chair call of duty, whether on or off-duty. or ability worthy of recognition during Zeke Triana, Vice Chair Board of Fire Commissioners emergency or non-emergency conditions. Arnold Porath, Treasurer Delia Ibarra, ESQ MEDAL OF MERIT Matt Gammel, Secretary Andrew Glazier CORPORATE IMPACT AWARD Deb Aldredge Jimmy H. Hara, M.D. The Medal of Merit is awarded to sworn personnel who distinguish themselves by The Corporate Impact Award is Shannon Murphy-Castellani Jimmie Woods-Gray performing an act where the individual’s presented to a company that exhibits Danielle Campos Rebecca Ninburg actions, if not taken, would have resulted philanthropic excellence in the Sylvia Castillo in serious injury or present imminent community, outstanding corporate Scott Cooper 2020 Honorary Awards Sub-Committee danger to life. The individual must citizenship, and longstanding support Stephen Drimmer Chairman – Robert Caropino, Battalion Chief have demonstrated a conspicuous of the Department and its personnel. Banyon Hutter Gregg Avery, Battalion Chief act of bravery with calculated Josh Hornstock John Garnica, Captain II personal risk to his or her own life. COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD Scott Jones Stacy Gerlich, Captain I is Andrew Kane OBE Adam Knabe, Captain II The Community Impact Award presented to an organization that Julie Lytle Nesbit Kent Koffler, Captain I provides invaluable service to the Lisa Marquis David Kohl, Apparatus Operator community and outstanding support Gary Mozer Jeff Lore, Captain I for the people of Los Angeles. Hugh O’Donnell Damar Mccornell, Engineer Michelle Olenick Joe Mendoza, Battalion Chief Tom Rafferty Andrew Ruiz, Captain II STATION OF THE YEAR AWARD Wallace Rawls Chris Tavera, Apparatus Operator The Station of the Year Award Nicholas Rumanes Julie Wolfe, Engineer is presented to the men and women assigned to one specific Jay Sanders station, who collectively exhibit Ed Shim exemplary service, professionalism, Dean Ulrich bravery, and compassion. Molly Unger Joseph Warner Ryan Wunderlich Jason Zedeck STATION OF THE YEAR COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD Fire Station 9

FIRE STATION 9 is located in downtown Los Angeles, serving the community referred to as Skid Row. CORE: Community Organized Response Effort is the Despite covering a relatively small geographical service Los Angeles Fire Department’s partner with the ongoing area, Station 9 has historically ranked as one of the fight against COVID-19. busiest, if not the busiest fire station in the nation. In late March of 2020, Los Angeles became the first Station 9 serves an area plagued by some of the most major city in the U.S. to offer free COVID testing. dangerous, sensitive, and complex challenges facing our Responsibility for managing public COVID testing fell communities. The approximately 60 firefighters at Station 9 on the LAFD. As the strain of this unprecedented effort regularly respond to everything from seizures and overdoses, unfolded, CORE recognized an opportunity to assist. to stalled elevators and commercial fires — all in an area defined by extreme poverty and homelessness. Six days a week, since the onset of the pandemic, CORE’s staff and volunteers have subjected themselves Station 9 averages about 80 emergency calls per day. to the rigors of operating public testing sites across Many of the 7,000 homeless people living on Skid Row rely Los Angeles. Together with the LAFD, CORE leads the on these firefighters as their primary health care provider. frontline effort to administer thousands of daily COVID The Station 9 crew does their best to help these patients tests. In fact, CORE has administered more than 4,200,000 who are often victims of crime, or crippled by addiction and COVID tests in Los Angeles in partnership with LAFD. psychiatric disorders from years of living on the street. Founded in 2010 by actor and humanitarian Sean Penn, CORE In 2019 alone, Station No. 9 logged nearly 22,800 emergency arose to help provide vital relief and recovery services in the calls across just 1.28 square miles — about 7,500 more than wake of the devasting earthquake in Haiti. Not long after, their the LAFD’s next-busiest station. Serving one of our most disaster relief programs expanded to Puerto Rico, other parts vulnerable communities has given those at Station 9 a unique of the Caribbean, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. perspective on life in Los Angeles. But rather than dwell on non-stop challenges, they serve with pride, professionalism, CORE continues the scope of its testing programs in and a sense of family shaped by their shared commitment to communities across the country. Modeled on the success of one of the city’s most intense assignments. their unconventional LAFD partnership, CORE now operates COVID sites in six states, Washington, D.C., and Navajo Nation.

bb bbb bb bbb LETTER OF SPECIAL COMMENDATION CORPORATE IMPACT AWARD Firefighter III Cody Crippen

ON A SWELTERING August evening, Firefighter III Cody Crippen was set to enjoy some family time at the local pool. Not long after settling in, Cody heard screaming, began its operations in ensued by a whirlwind of commotion. He looked up WHEN FARMERS INSURANCE 1928, its founders instilled values of service and charity and saw a woman carrying a lifeless little boy. throughout the organization. Nearly 100 years later, Farmers actively supports the communities where its Cody rushed to help as a crowd gathered. He encountered customers, agents, and employees live, work, and play. a father performing CPR on the unconscious child. Cody identified himself as a firefighter and knelt down to help. Farmers puts its values into action through its philanthropic support of the Los Angeles Fire Department and the LAFD He quickly cleared the boy’s airway, delivered a series of back Foundation. In total, Famers has contributed more than blows alternated by chest compressions. During the third set $786,000 towards technology, tools, and equipment of compressions, the boy began to regain consciousness. to help keep the men and women of the LAFD safe. Within minutes of reviving the boy, local firefighters The Woodland Hills-based insurance leader has also graciously arrived on the scene. Cody conducted the handoff with sponsored LAFD community events, helped raise awareness for the ambulance crew, then proceeded to comfort the the Foundation’s immediate funding needs, and donated over child’s parents while paramedics rendered care. $185,000 specifically to the LAFD’s cancer prevention efforts. Thankfully the little boy has recovered fully due to the father’s The Los Angeles Fire Department is honored to count Farmers CPR training and Firefighter Crippen’s heroic actions. Insurance among its most valued community partners. bbbbb bb bbb MEDAL OF MERIT MEDAL OF MERIT Firefighter/Paramedic Wesley Manning Engineer Robert Medrano

A SIMPLE SHOPPING errand resulted in a heart-breaking ON A LATE August evening, Task Force 15 was dispatched to incident that prompted Firefighter/Paramedic Wesley Manning a sizable residential fire near Exposition Park. As is customary, to act heroically. Engineer Robert Medrano went to work securing the water supply for Engine 46 as soon as he arrived on the scene. With Wes Manning was off-duty, shopping for towels at his local his primary task completed, he quickly moved on to survey the Costco. While browsing towards the rear of the store, he exterior of the structure. heard gunshots ring out. Turmoil ensued as terrified shoppers scrambled towards emergency exits. He made his way to the backyard and encountered a frantic group of residents. They were unharmed but claimed two Wes encouraged his fellow shoppers to remain calm and quiet members of the household were still trapped inside. as he helped usher them out a nearby exit. Instead of fleeing for safety, Wes chose to stay inside the store in case someone At this point, heavy fire was showing from all sides of needed help. the building. With no time to waste, Engineer Medrano entered through the back door in search of the entrapped Manning cautiously made his way from the emergency exit victims. He crouched low and moved with haste as thick, through the aisles until he came upon a male lying on the noxious smoke billowed throughout the house. ground. The man was leaning on his side while pointing the barrel of the firearm down a separate aisle. He searched until he located a blocked door, but it was too late. His eyes were searing. His lungs burned Wes crouched behind a waist-high refrigerator unit for cover, from the smoke and from holding his breath. He had then calmly engaged the man with the gun. Wes asked the man to retreat to the backyard and regain his breath. a series of simple questions and learned that no other shooters were present. At great personal risk, Wes proceeded to search Twice more, he reentered the burning home in search the scene and encountered multiple victims — one deceased of the trapped victims. On his third attempt, the door and two requiring immediate medical attention. was breached with help from Engine 66 crew members, and the two victims were extracted. Engineer Medrano With help from a few brave Costco employees, Wes tended to proceeded to render aid to a barely breathing female the gunshot wounds of the victims. Wes remained with the victim until she was loaded into an ambulance. victims until law enforcement and medical help arrived. Medrano performed these acts despite not having his self- After the two conscious victims were in the hands of contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) - a firefighter’s face paramedics, Wes returned to examine the gunman for protection and breathing system. He suffered significant smoke injuries while police secured the scene. After a nerve-racking inhalation and was transported to a nearby hospital. While 25-minute ordeal, Wes helped turn the shooter over to receiving oxygen treatment, Medrano learned the unfortunate law enforcement without further incident. news that the patient he helped rescue had passed away.

Thanks to Firefighter/Paramedic Manning and a few Engineer Medrano risked his personal safety in hopes courageous Costco employees, the two wounded of saving others. Despite the somber outcome, he is victims survived. commended for his bravery and selflessness.

bb bbb bb bbb MEDAL OF MERIT MEDAL OF VALOR Captain I Rob Scott Captain II Kenneth Willahan

CAPTAIN ROB SCOTT AND CAPTAIN The rafting guide retrieved a rescue throw bag Captain Willahan swam to them, grabbed onto Captain Willahan heaved the child into the KENNETH WILLAHAN are leaders and — a whitewater safety device with a floating the oar, and assured them that everything grandparents’ kayak. With the boy safe, close colleagues at Fire Station 95, located rope. Then, the two captains and their guide would be okay. He tried to swim back to Captain Willahan could focus on saving near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). ran upriver towards the overboard kayakers. shore with one arm, but the current was the mother. He held tightly to the side Off-duty, they are best friends who spend The would-be rescuers spaced themselves too strong. The three would have to endure of the kayak with one arm and helped family vacations together. along the shore, hoping to deploy the throw another section of rapids on their own. keep the woman afloat with the other. bag in time to catch the first victim. Captains Scott and Willahan are being Captain Willahan held on tightly to the mother The grandparents paddled a short distance to recognized for their courageous acts during The distance was too great. The first kayaker and child as they traversed the rapids. Even a safe embankment. Moments later, Captain a recent family vacation trip to Utah. On a was swept past them out of reach of the though the two were wearing life vests, the Scott and the rest of the party arrived at picturesque rafting excursion in Moab, Utah, rescue rope. As the river carried the kayaker frigid river was exacting its toll. The mother the rescue scene to find the mother, boy, the captains found themselves involved in a away, Captain Scott heard him yell out that and child were exhausted and losing strength and Captain Willahan safely ashore. dangerous river rescue. his wife and son were in the water behind with every passing moment. Without a him. “My four-year-old is in the water! vest, Captain Willahan managed to keep The father of the little boy, the first of the Their group had paused for lunch along a He can’t swim!” screamed the man. them all afloat with only one free arm. kayakers to rush past the Captains while sandy embankment of the Colorado River, in still on the riverbank, was rescued moments between sets of Class II and Class III rapids. Captain Scott shouted downriver to alert Meanwhile, Captain Scott sprinted down the later by a group of paddleboarders. As the children played and explored along the the others as a woman and small boy came riverbank back to their raft. He and the guide shore, the group’s rafting guide spotted signs barreling down the rapids. Captain Scott ushered the group back into the raft to pursue Captain Rob Scott and Captain Kenneth of trouble upriver. waded into waist-deep water, hoping he Captain Willahan. They paddled furiously to Willahan successfully helped rescue a mother could reach them. Unfortunately, he could catch up, scanning the banks as they rowed. and her young boy at grave personal risk. In the distance, their guide spotted an upside- not. The woman and little boy rushed by, Unknowingly, they also saved a third life, down kayak racing towards their position. visibly struggling to stay above water. Shortly after they cleared the rapids, a as it was later revealed that the mother Soon after, two individuals appeared in the second kayak had caught up with Captain was six months pregnant at the time of water behind the kayak. The pair showed A short distance downriver, Captain Willahan Willahan — It was the grandparents of the incident. They exemplified exceptional signs of distress. attempted to reach her. The woman extended the little boy. They had witnessed the bravery, courageous spirit, and the very an outstretched oar, but it was no luck. Another whole ordeal while racing to catch up. best of the Los Angeles Fire Department. miss. So, without a life vest, Captain Willahan plunged into the river, swimming frantically behind the mother and child. bb bbb THANK YOU TO OUR VALOR 2020 SPONSORS

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Airbnb AT&T Rhode Island Foundation Shangri-La Construction UFCW Charles Weiss SPECIAL THANKS

Tony Abatemarco Gary Apodaca Tom Darin FINN Partners Jim Finn and the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society Christopher Komuro The exceptional staff and crew at Dodger Stadium Firefighter David Ortiz Inspector Jacob Raabe Patricia Sanders Captain Erik Scott

THANKS TO OUR SILENT AUCTION DONORS:

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