On Monday, February 18, 2013, at approximately 2306 hours, you, Deputy Seidler and Sergeant Lopez were dispatched to a house fire in Moss Beach. A full assignment emergency fire response was initiated. There was heavy dark billowing smoke coming from the garage and the interior of the residence was completely filled with smoke. Two children, 9 and 10 years old, had been sleeping in an upstairs bedroom and were trapped inside the home.
Without regard for your safety, you and Deputy Seidler entered the smoke filled home in attempt to rescue the children. As you made your way up the stairs you began calling out to the girls, but received no response. Feeling your way along a wall you noticed that the father had entered the home behind you. Overcome with smoke, you assisted the father in escaping the house. You immediately reentered the home with Sergeant Lopez to assist in evacuating the girls and Deputy Seidler from the fire. As you reached the top of the stairs, you began crawling along the wall searching for one of the children who had become separated. Locating the child, you picked her up and began to exit. You, Deputy Seidler and Sergeant Lopez were able to escape the home and lead the girls to safety.
You bravely risked great bodily injury to save the lives of these children and showed a tremendous amount of courage and compassion in a difficult and perilous situation. You are to be commended for your professionalism and dedication to duty.
Dated: August 29, 2013
Greg Munks, Sheriff
County of San Mateo