First Responders Dinner
Honorees
2025 First Responder Honorees
honorees announced Soon
Anaheim Fire and Rescue and Anaheim Police Department
Not all emergencies announce themselves with sirens or flashing lights. Sometimes, calls for help are silent. They are hidden in classrooms, in playgrounds, in the hearts of children struggling to cope with loss and uncertainty. In Anaheim, rising youth depression, self-harm, and suicide have created a crisis that demands both courage and vision. In the face of this challenge, Police Chief Rick Armendariz of the Anaheim Police Department and Fire Chief Pat Russell of Anaheim Fire and Rescue have led with presence and connection. They have stepped into schools not as enforcers but as mentors, showing children that someone sees them, hears them, and believes in them. Partnering with the award-winning nonprofit Team Kids, Chiefs Armendariz and Russell have embraced a prevention strategy that empowers students to lead, serve, and make a difference in their communities. Under their guidance, officers and firefighters have become trusted mentors in classrooms, guiding students not only through rules and safety but through courage, empathy, and leadership. These efforts create ripples that extend far beyond a single day. As an example, one spring day in 2025 at a Title One school’s Team Kids Challenge, a fifth grader named Matthew, grieving the recent loss of a family member, stood nervously to present his service project. The weight of his fear was palpable. Seated in the front row, Chief Armendariz offered a steady nod of encouragement, and Chief Russell leaned in with a warm reassuring smile. That small gesture became transformative. Matthew found his voice, delivered his project with confidence, and later told his teacher, “They made me feel like I mattered.” Moments like this are not isolated. Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, Armendariz and Russell mobilized officers and firefighters to be a consistent, compassionate presence in schools. They mentored, guided, and celebrated students’ successes, creating a bridge between public safety and the community’s youngest members. Their approach transforms how first responders are seen: not only as protectors in crises, but as partners in building safe, resilient, and empowered communities. Through their vision and action, Chief Armendariz and Chief Russell are preventing the most heartbreaking calls before they ever happen. They are fostering a generation of children who see themselves as capable changemakers, and a public safety culture that sees youth as collaborators rather than bystanders.
City of Seal Beach, Marine Safety
On December 22, 2024, while patrolling the south side of Seal Beach, Seal Beach, Marine Safety’s Beach Lifeguard Beau Wade spotted a swimmer in distress — caught in waist-deep water, battling strong currents and an 8- to 10-foot shore break. Without hesitation (and without a wetsuit) Wade grabbed his rescue can and fins and entered the 58-degree surf. He reached the swimmer and provided flotation, working to stabilize him in the rough conditions. Nearby, Beach Lifeguard Brett Peoples noticed Wade and the victim struggling against the powerful waves. Recognizing the need for backup, Peoples radioed headquarters about the emergency and entered the water, pushing through the heavy surf to assist. As he swam out, Wade and the swimmer were being struck repeatedly by waves near the boat dock. The swimmer was struggling to hold onto the rescue can and was overwhelmed by the conditions. Peoples reached them, and together he and Wade worked to calm the victim, regain control, and guide him out of the impact zone toward safer waters. At the same time, Beach Lifeguard Chris Dominguez was monitoring radio traffic when Peoples’ urgent report came through. Understanding the severity of the situation, Dominguez launched a rescue watercraft into the surf, navigating intense waves and strong currents — all this while managing performance issues with the craft. Near the end of the pier, Dominguez reached Wade, Peoples and the swimmer. He loaded the victim onto the rescue sled, and with the team aboard, steered the craft through the treacherous surf. They transported the swimmer half a mile up the coast to a safer location near Tower 5. Once ashore, Peoples assisted with the medical evaluation and, fortunately, the swimmer was uninjured and released. Thanks to the quick thinking and calm demeanor under pressure, this team prevented a likely drowning.
City of Seal Beach, Marine Safety
On Sunday, December 22, 2024, winter waves crashed relentlessly along Seal Beach. The surf was volatile, currents ripped unpredictably, and the shoreline buzzed with swimmers and surfers eager to enjoy the first days of winter break. Lifeguards were already managing multiple emergencies, balancing their duties with the somber preparations for a candlelight vigil later that evening. Amid the chaos, a bodyboarder lost his board and was quickly overwhelmed by the violent shore break near 12th Street. Seal Beach, Marine Safety’s Beach Lifeguard Dean Frizzell, stationed on the south side, spotted the swimmer in distress and immediately charged into the freezing water without a wetsuit. He reached the victim and secured him with a rescue can and fins, but the ripping currents and crushing sets made progress toward shore impossible. Every wave punished them, testing both Dean’s strength and the victim’s will to survive. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Lifeguard Ellie Sherlock arrived to assist. She radioed headquarters, then plunged into the surf herself, ready to shield the victim and back up her colleague in the unforgiving water. Together, Frizzell and Sherlock fought to keep the swimmer afloat as the ocean swept all three of them a quarter mile north, pulling them directly toward the Seal Beach Pier. A massive 15-foot set was pounding with no relief in sight. The only chance was to go through the pier itself; a very risky decision. With calm communication, flawless timing, and absolute resolve, Frizzell and Sherlock guided the swimmer safely around the structure, shielding him with their own bodies as wave after wave broke over them. For more than twenty-five exhausting minutes they battled the sea, refusing to surrender. Finally, the trio emerged north of the pier near Tower 1, nearly three-quarters of a mile from where the rescue began. Against overwhelming odds, the swimmer reached land uninjured. The victim’s safe return was a testament to the lifeguards’ resolve. Frizzell and Sherlock faced the full fury of the winter surf, yet never wavered, using every ounce of skill and strength to protect the victim. Against the relentless ocean, their calm judgment and fierce determination transformed a desperate struggle into a triumph of endurance and courage.
Huntington Beach Fire Department
On May 4, 2025, Medic Engine 43 of the Huntington Beach Fire Department responded to a call for a critically injured three-year-old boy at a private home. Fire Captain Kevin Prentiss, Fire Engineer/Paramedics Adam Fugate and Rich Sanchez, and Firefighter Rider Burnham arrived to find a devastating scene. The child had been accidentally struck in the head by a golf club, leaving him with a major skull fracture and in urgent need of care. The crew moved with precision and speed. They stabilized the boy, contacted their base hospital for guidance and began rapid transport to a children’s trauma center. En route, the child’s condition worsened. His heart rate plummeted, and the crew immediately began chest compressions and advanced life-saving interventions inside the moving ambulance. Every second mattered. The team worked in unison while ensuring the fastest possible arrival at the trauma center. Just 36 minutes after the accident, they delivered him into the hands of surgeons who were able to repair multiple fractures and control severe brain bleeding. Because of the swift, expert actions of Medic Engine 43, the little boy not only survived but made a full recovery.
Kaiser Permanente Orange County
On a quiet morning in May of 2025, three nurses were finishing an overnight shift at Kaiser Permanente Irvine Medical Center when the day took an unexpected turn. Registered Nurses Ellenaine Garces, Kenneth Fabila and Jeremy Guila were heading home, tired and ready to rest, when they heard a frantic cry for help outside the hospital. A woman was in active labor, stranded in the front seat of her car. There was no time to move her into the building. The baby was coming… NOW. Even though none of the three nurses specialized in labor or delivery, their training in critical care and emergency response kicked in. They sprung into action. Nurse Garces moved quickly, providing calm reassurance to the mother while guiding the delivery. Nurses Fabila and Guila assisted, supporting both mother and child, making sure the newborn and the mother remained safe throughout the process. Every second mattered. Their presence, skills, and teamwork turned what could have been a tragedy into a safe and joyous birth. A healthy baby was born! Garces, Fabila and Guila demonstrated courage, quick thinking, and compassion. They did not hesitate to step in when every second mattered. They made sure mom and baby were safe. Their actions embody the absolute best of Orange County’s first responders.
Orange County Fire Authority
What began as a small backlot fire on June 15, 2025, quickly escalated into a life-or-death threat to the Goodwill of Orange County’s Santa Ana campus. The summer sun had baked the air and flammable materials in the yard fanned the flames. Within moments the fire threatened not only the warehouse and retail store but also millions of dollars in donated goods that sustain the organization’s mission. The Orange County Fire Authority–including honorees Battalion Chief Nolan McGaughy, Fire Captain/Paramedic Jason Fleenor, Fire Apparatus Engineer Bogar Bonilla, Firefighter/Paramedic Johnathan Fuentes, and Firefighter Michael Baham–arrived almost immediately. Twenty-four units deployed with precision and focus, facing intense heat and smoke that filled the morning sky. Firefighters worked methodically and without hesitation. Bulldozers pushed burning donation bins away from the main buildings, creating a protective buffer that preserved the warehouse and prevented the fire from spreading further. Every action was calculated, every decision critical. For hours, the team battled relentless flames that came within feet of the campus operations. The fire roared and threatened to engulf vital infrastructure, yet the firefighters remained calm and coordinated. Their presence turned a situation that could have been catastrophic into a story of resilience and protection. Thanks to their decisive action, no one was injured, all buildings were spared, and by the next morning the campus was fully operational. Jobs were protected, vital services for people with disabilities and barriers to employment were preserved, and the mission of Goodwill continued, uninterrupted. The Orange County Fire Authority did more than stop a fire. They safeguarded a community resource, protected livelihoods, and demonstrated courage, skill, and professionalism under extreme pressure. Their quick thinking and unwavering dedication ensured that what could have been a devastating loss became a testament to their expertise and commitment to public safety.
Orange County Sheriff’s Department
Some 911 calls test more than training. They test the heart and the human spirit. On one such call, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sheriff Deputy Lindsey Rhodes responded to a home where a woman’s son had tragically taken his own life. The scene was raw, overwhelming and devastating. Deputy Rhodes acted immediately to ensure the mother’s safety, but she did not stop there. Drawing on her own experience with loss, she understood that in those first hours, presence and support can be as vital as any protocol. She contacted the “Threat Intervention Program” for additional assistance, yet she chose to stay long after the immediate crisis could have been cleared. She offered comfort, listened without judgment, and provided steady reassurance to a grieving mother facing an unimaginable moment. For weeks after, Rhodes’ presence remained. The mother later reached out to the department and said, “You guys showed up and one of your officers, her name is Lindsey, saved me. She literally saved me…” Deputy Rhodes demonstrated that first responders do more than enforce the law. They carry the responsibility of care, empathy and human connection. Her compassion, commitment and quiet strength transformed a moment of profound tragedy into a moment of hope. She embodies service with heart and humanity, setting an extraordinary example of what it truly means to serve the community.
UCI Health Burn Unit Team
On the morning of January 2, 2025, a small plane crashed in Fullerton. The scene was chaotic; the air filled with urgency and uncertainty. Within minutes, the trauma, emergency, and burn teams at UCI Medical Center sprang into action, knowing that every decision could mean life or death. Four of the most critically injured were rushed to UCI’s Level 1 trauma center and verified regional burn center. The first patient arrived in less than forty minutes. Burn Attending Dr. James Jeng and Trauma Attending Dr. Lourdes Swentek led the response with precision, assessing patients immediately and initiating life-saving care. Dr. Syed Saquib, the medical director of the Regional Burn Center, rushed to return from his holiday to coordinate alongside Dr. Jeng. The rest of the burn unit team comprised of Surgery School of Medicine Vice Chair for Quality Dr. Victor Joe, Resident Doctors Monique Gandawidjaja and Rommell Noche, and Physician Assistants Seda Gevorgyan, Kurt Richards, and Kimberly Burton moved seamlessly through the chaos, anticipating needs, making split-second decisions, and delivering care with calm authority and compassion. Every action mattered. Every choice could change the outcome. This response was not just about medicine. It was about courage under pressure, teamwork under fire, and the extraordinary impact of a prepared, committed team. Their rapid response, clear communication, and expert care saved lives and prevented further tragedy.
YOUNG ADULT COURT PROGRAM COLLABORATION: Orange County Probation Department, Orange County Public Defender’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orangewood Foundation, Superior Court of Orange County and University of California, Irvine
The Young Adult Court Program Collaboration was developed through the combined efforts of Sheriff Don Barnes of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Distinguished Professor of Psychological Science, Education & Law Dr. Elizabeth Cauffman of the University of California, Irvine, Chief Probation Officer Daniel Hernandez of the Orange County Probation Department, Presiding Judge The Honorable Maria D. Hernandez of the Superior Court of Orange County, Former Public Defender Martin Schwarz of the Orange County Public Defender’s Office, and the Orangewood Foundation. This program is designed to reduce arrests among young men – especially those from underserved communities – and provide an alternative to incarceration. Our honorees combined their expertise to create a system that offers eligible participants with low-level felonies a structured four-phase process built on accountability, stability, and long-term success. Through dedicated care coordinators, participants receive access to housing, therapy, job training, and education. One of the most powerful moments in the program is telling participants that they are officially felony free and the results speak volumes. One participant, Sam, spent 19 months in the program. With consistent guidance, he secured stable housing, completed job training, and earned a commercial trucking license. Beyond practical accomplishments, Sam gained the confidence, structure, and hope necessary to envision a productive future. He plans to continue his education and build a life of purpose and stability. Fifty graduates like Sam demonstrate that this collaborative effort works. Participants re-offend at lower rates, enjoy healthier outcomes, and the program generates significant cost savings compared to incarceration. The Young Adult Court program proves that when law enforcement, the courts, academia, and community organizations work together, lives can be transformed. It also highlights the often-unseen preventative side of first responders’ work where they build trust, address root causes, and put in the groundwork that helps reduce the very crises they are later called to face. Through their vision, dedication, and leadership, these honorees have shown the power of collaboration and evidence-based practice. They are not only preventing the most heartbreaking outcomes but are building stronger, safer, and more resilient communities. Their collective work is a model of what happens when justice and compassion come together.
Past First Responder Honorees
Automobile Club of Southern California
Earlier this year, during the “atmospheric river” rainstorms that saturated Southern California, an Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA) tow operator never imagined how his life could have been cut short while on a routine call. Service Technician Andrew Hernandez of Bitetto Towing was dispatched to help an Auto Club member stranded in Anaheim. As he assisted the motorist, Hernandez cautiously worked as much as possible on the side of the tow truck that was away from moving traffic. As he secured the member’s vehicle onto the tow truck, a passing vehicle lost control, skidded off the roadway and crashed into the tow truck. Had Hernandez been working on the traffic side of his tow truck, this incident may have ended tragically. Luckily, a new AAA roadside safety protocol saved his life. Tow operators have one of the highest fatality rates of any profession. Government data shows that tow providers are killed at a rate of 43 deaths per 100,000 workers, compared to three per 100,000 for all other industries. Based on this data, Vice President of Automotive Services for Automobile Club of Southern California Nannalee Haywood got to work, and Auto Club’s new roadside safety program was born. Auto Club Senior Trainer Scott Swann, a retired firefighter and EMT, developed the safety program and today, has trained over 650 Auto Club-contracted tow technicians, including Hernandez. The new safety program has also helped the Auto Club of Southern California earn a unique distinction: it is the first AAA club in the United States to partner with HAAS Alert to automatically notify drivers on their GPS systems when a stranded AAA member, or working tow truck, is ahead in traffic, giving drivers time to safely slow down or move over. Service technicians like Hernandez are referred to as “highway heroes” by AAA. Heroes with families. And like Haywood says, ‘we just want them to get back to their families.’
Falck
A year ago, on the evening of August 23, 2023, a beloved landmark in Trabuco Canyon—Cook’s Corner—became the site of a horrific mass shooting. Arriving on-scene that night were experienced Falck personnel Operations Managers Jeremy Ruga and Matthew Spencer. Their job was to direct 13 incoming and outbound Falck ambulances in the midst of this terrible tragedy. Remaining calm during the devastating incident, their expertise and leadership played a paramount role. They worked in alliance with Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department efficiently coordinating the response of the ambulances and field personnel to transport critical patients to local trauma centers. Their combined ability to multitask effectively and maintain clear communication between dispatch and other resources in the field was instrumental for a seamless response, the safety of all field personnel, and for saving lives. Remaining composed and focused during high-pressure situations is what makes these first responders true heroes in the field of emergency medical services.
Fullerton Police Department
Police officers truly have a 24-7 mindset when it comes to public safety. While driving home after his shift, Fullerton Police Officer George Peterson came upon a single-vehicle rollover collision on the 5 freeway in Anaheim. It was just before 2 a.m., but this didn’t deter Officer Peterson from helping. As he came upon the scene, he found a female ejected from the vehicle into the number one fast lane. Three lanes away, the unconscious driver, trapped under the steering wheel, was still in the vehicle as it caught fire. Officer Peterson stopped and pulled the driver from the burning car, and helped the female to safety, assisting both victims to the side of the freeway until police and fire crews arrived. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Though the female passenger sustained significant injuries, including a fractured neck, she is on her way to recovery. Her mother, deeply grateful for Officer Peterson’s actions, thanked him for his heroic efforts, courage and bravery, and relayed how her family thanks him from the bottom of their hearts for saving their loved one’s life. That night, as he was off duty, Officer Peterson went above and beyond to assist individuals in a dangerous, and potentially life-threatening situation for the victims and for himself. The dedication and selflessness, both on and off duty, truly exemplifies the noble nature of police work and the impact officers have in ensuring public safety.
Newport Beach Police Department
It was about 10 o’clock at night and Christmas was just around the corner when the Newport Beach Police Department received multiple 9-1-1 calls about a residential fire on Lido Island. Newport Beach Police Officer Lina You and Detective Beau Rains were immediately dispatched. As they made their way to the scene, an additional 9-1-1 call came in. The caller said that there were possibly three children trapped inside the residence. As Officer You and Detective Rains arrived at the house, they could see heavy smoke billowing from the home’s windows. Believing that children could be trapped inside, they forced entry into the burning house, even though neither of them were dressed in the proper protective gear. They made their way around and searched for the three children. As the fire grew, they were overcome with smoke inhalation. That didn’t deter them. They continued their search. After thoroughly searching throughout the house, they were unable to locate the children, or any additional occupants. They did, however, find the family dog in a smoke-filled room, locked in a kennel. They entered the room and took the time to free the dog. As the fire continued to spread, and engulf the entire house, the officers managed to safely evacuate the home with the family dog. Detective Rains and Officer You were able to reunite the dog with the three children who, unbeknownst to them, had managed to escape the burning house prior to the officers’ arrival. Detective Rains and Officer You were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene, and returned to duty to assist with witness interviews and crowd control. In the midst of a highly emotional rescue—and happy reunification—these first responders acted without hesitation, and displayed uncommon courage, bravery, and selflessness while placing their own lives in harm’s way to save others.
Orange County District Attorney’s Office
In the last few years, retail theft and home burglaries have been on the rise across Southern California, including Orange County. These crimes have drawn increased focus in the state legislature, and the issue is one of the policy initiatives that Orange County Business Council is currently focused on as these robberies not only pose a safety hazard to employees and residents, but they also harm the economic sustainability of our businesses and local economy. Contributing to the rise of these crimes is a loophole in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization visa waiver program. While applicants are required to provide criminal backgrounds, one country—Chile—refuses to cooperate. Taking advantage of the loophole, sophisticated and organized crime rings in Chile come into the United States for the sole purpose of committing residential and retail burglaries. To bring attention to the rise in these crimes, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, with the help of his team, led the charge. Spitzer began last year by holding a press conference that resulted in media attention and multiple interviews with local, national, and international media outlets. Catching the attention of then-Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and members of Congress, Speaker McCarthy and congressional representatives held a briefing for the FBI and Homeland Security at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office to call for national reform in the visa program. To further heighten awareness, Senior Deputy District Attorney Bradley Schoenleben testified in front of Congress before the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Security and Enforcement about how the loophole in the visa waiver program serves as a direct pipeline for criminals to enter the United States. Contributing to this work were Senior Deputy District Attorney Bradley Schoenleben, Deputy District Attorneys Alex Shaaban, Gerard Gully, and Steven Bunn, and Investigators Galvan and Hoover. Supporting this important work in the Organized Crime Unit is Supervising Investigator Cabrera, Investigators Adley, Franssen, Garcia, Hayes, and Martinez; and Criminal Research Analysts Teresa Willis and Iris Huang, as well as Director of Public Affairs Kimberly Edds. These concerted efforts by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office have resulted in calls from both sides of the aisle to close the visa waiver program loophole, and they’ve also helped to bring awareness of the dangers criminal enterprises pose to public safety. Last month, the Orange County District Attorney’s office joined U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada and the FBI as part of a task force that led to a 46-count federal indictment, and the arrests of six individuals who worked with a Los Angeles-area rental car agency. The car agency not only rented vehicles to these “crime tourists,” but also gave them maps to high-end neighborhoods across Orange County and throughout Southern California to carry out the burglaries.
Orange County Fire Authority
A high-profile incident that brought national attention to a remote part of Orange County a year ago will always remain etched in the minds of the victims, survivors, and their families. On the night of August 23, 2023, Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Engine 54 responded to Cook’s Corner for a report of an active shooter. Upon arrival, the crew of Engine 54—Fire Captain Richard Ventura, Fire Apparatus Engineer Andrew Strebel, and Firefighter/Paramedics Zachary Richardson and Alan Yturralde—were met with a chaotic situation. There were reports that more than a dozen people had been injured, and that the shooter was not yet in custody. Coordinating efforts with Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies, the Orange County Fire Authority moved into immediate action. Due to limited information based on the first 9-1-1 call, OCFA’s initial response was to send three units. As the incident evolved, however, the response grew to over 25 units, which included fire engines, paramedic squads, ambulances, command vehicles, support vehicles and personnel. Since the number of victims on scene was still unclear when they arrived, the crew of Engine 54 was given the assignment of prioritizing the treatment of all patients, and the responsibility of establishing communications with the base hospital. As they followed multi-casualty incident protocols, the crew began identifying and treating all victims based on severity of injury, assigning incoming paramedics to treat patients, communicating with the base hospital, and coordinating transport to area hospitals. In all, nine patients were identified at the scene of this horrific incident. The crew of Engine 54 played an integral role in the triage, treatment and transport of the five most critical victims within 35 minutes of the start of the incident. Their quick decision-making allowed for prompt and efficient communication with the base hospital, and the effective pairing of patients with additional paramedic crews and ambulances. The outcome of this incident could have been considerably different if not for the coordinated expertise of these first responders.
Placentia Fire and Life Safety
This past spring, Fire Captain Joshua Martin, Fire Engineer Samuel Listoe and Firefighter Mark Aguirre of Placentia Fire and Life Safety were dispatched to a potentially life-threatening incident. The nighttime emergency, near Orangethorpe Avenue and the 57 freeway onramp, involved smoke emanating from a storm drain. Initial reports suggested that individuals might be trapped inside. Based on this information, additional paramedics and emergency transport were dispatched. Shortly after being the first on the scene, the Placentia first responders were joined by Placentia Police Department officers who quickly began to assess the incident with hopes of locating potentially trapped victims. As police officers tried to establish contact with anyone inside the storm drain, they made voice contact with a trapped and distressed female. She was suffering from smoke inhalation and burns. Trapped in an underground storm drain, heavily filled with smoke, made it virtually impossible for the victim to lift herself out to safety. This was the moment the Placentia Fire & Life Safety crew moved into quick decision-making and innovative problem solving. Using a tool known as a New York hook—a long firefighting tool used in rooftop operations to pull ceilings and expose hidden fire—the crew acted resourcefully and transformed the hook into a life-saving tool. They extended the hook down to the trapped female giving her the means of safely holding on. Then, through coordinated efforts and teamwork, crew members Martin, Listoe and Aguirre, alongside Placentia police officers, successfully hoisted the first victim out of the manhole. The second victim, a male, was able to get out on his own, exiting a different way. After being assessed by paramedics, the victims were transported to the hospital with burns and smoke inhalation; thankfully, they both survived. Throughout this incident, Captain Martin, Engineer Listoe, and Firefighter Aguirre demonstrated critical thinking skills to safely rescue individuals from the confined and hazardous space. Their determination and tenacity is notable, and an example of how seamless cooperation between a city's first responder teams is critical to public safety.
University of California, Irvine Police Department
University campuses are very much like small cities. They have housing and retail, and offer transportation and public safety, for instance. This story illustrates how a university campus police officer provided life-saving assistance to a student. As University of California, Irvine Police Officer Orng Liev was doing a routine patrol one late night this past spring, he discovered a student on the brink of despair, contemplating a tragic decision. On the top floor of a campus parking structure, he found a lone male, later identified as a computer science and engineering student in his junior year, sitting with his feet dangling over the edge of the parking structure. Exiting his patrol vehicle, Officer Liev approached the student in order to engage in conversation. As the student cried, he would occasionally nod his head in response to Officer Liev. Walking toward him, the officer asked the student to turn around so his feet would no longer hang over the edge, but he didn’t respond, nor turn around. As the officer slowly got closer, he asked if he could move even closer; the student nodded in agreement. Officer Liev then asked if he could put his arm around the student, the young man agreed, and was pulled by Officer Liev off the ledge onto the parking structure floor. Emotional, the student walked to a waiting patrol car. Officer Liev assessed the situation, called in resources—Orange County Fire Authority and other police units—should the student have jumped. He developed a plan on the scene, took the time to talk to the young man, and built a rapport. The quick assessment of the situation and actions by Officer Liev stopped this student from jumping and ending his life; he was transported to UCI Health for treatment and care. The entire incident took just under 10 minutes from contact, to the highly emotional, yet successful, rescue. For the student and his family, however, those 10 minutes translate into more time spent together, thanks to the determination, training and bravery of a university campus police officer.
Be Well Orange County—Samantha Cabrera, Crisis Intervention Specialist, Garden Grove HOPE Team
It was a steady evening shift, up until the police dispatcher let out the words “nine-fourteen-A,” the radio code for a suicide attempt. Samantha and her partner quickly nodded at each other, confirming the call, and leaped into action joining the Garden Grove Police Department and the Orange County Fire Authority to the scene. The dispatcher’s tone of speech indicated the urgency of the call as she emphatically read the details about the incident. Bystanders described seeing an individual in a visibly emotional state on the roof of a nearby business, making threats to jump off.Before Samantha and the team arrived, an Officer at the scene notified dispatch that he was talking with the individual, and that they would need assistance from the fire department since the young woman was stuck approximately 30 feet off the ground. Shortly after Samantha and the team arrived, the young woman expressed how she regretted her decision to climb to the rooftop. Once the fire truck and crew arrived, they safely extracted the woman off the roof. The tense stillness that gripped the air, let up when the woman’s feet touched the pavement.Samantha and her partner went over to speak to the woman and to create a plan to set her on the path that addressed and resolved the emotions that led her to this point in the first place. In a heightened emotional state, the young woman admitted that she wanted whatever help she could get. Samantha and her team introduced and educated her on the Crisis Stabilization Unit at Be Well OC, which she agreed to be transported to. As Samantha sat with the young woman during the ride and listened, the woman opened up about her career aspirations.Through an exceptional display of compassion from responders and a collaborative effort between multiple agencies, this young woman received the support that allowed her to overcome her moment of hardship.
CHOC Cherese Mari Laulhere Mental Health Inpatient Center—Michael A. Ketterer, Mental Health Nurse Manager
One afternoon in March while in his office at the hospital, Michael received a call. On the other end of the line was a mental health assistant in CHOC’s Emergency Department. Sounding panicked and tearful, the caller explained that an adolescent had darted from their parents’ car and ran up to the fifth floor of the visitor parking structure.The youth was standing on the fifth floor of the parking garage, on the other side of the fence, on a ledge. Michael, who was familiar with the adolescent’s case, remembered the patient’s high risk for suicide, and immediately ran from his office to the garage. When he arrived, there were already several staff and security officers present.As the adolescent screamed for everyone to stand back or else they would jump, Michael quickly made contact, and was able to make his way closer to the ledge as the patient remembered their previous interactions. During this time, the City of Orange Police Department arrived and cleared the top of the structure. The teen then began shouting at police to stay back.Michael jumped on top of the hood of a truck parked in front of the fence where the youth had crawled through to access the ledge. Though the fence prevented Michael from reaching through, he continued to speak with the youth, reminding them of their value and helping to establish a sense of hope.After nearly an hour, the adolescent agreed to come down, and Michael reached his hand over the fence, took hold, and pulled the adolescent back through. Police rushed in and helped escort Michael and the adolescent into CHOC to get the help they needed.
Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Newport Beach—Hennessy A. Sullivan, BSN, RN, CN, MICN, Registered Nurse of the Emergency Department, Mobile Intensive Care Nurse (MICN)
Coordinating care for multiple victims simultaneously, yet accurately, can take years of practice. For Mobile Intensive Care Nurse Hennessy Sullivan, that skill was put to the test on Thanksgiving evening of 2022. While responding to paramedic base-hospital radio calls, Hennessy received a call for a multiple casualty incident in Costa Mesa. The incident included four individuals who were involved in a shootout. The injuries sustained by the victims ranged from traumatic cardio-pulmonary arrest to a stabilized gunshot wound to the abdomen.In the emergency department, communicating with first responders in the field, Hennessy sprang into action. Her years of emergency nursing experience guided her as she calmly assisted paramedics with a rapid assessment of the victims’ medical status. Due to her knowledge of pre-hospital treatment guidelines, she was able to relay the proper instructions. All the while, Hennessy identified which Emergency Departments in Orange County were closest to the scene of the incident, were able to handle critical trauma patients, and had beds available given the number of victims. It was crucial that she relay the correct information between paramedics in the field and the trauma center to ensure that the victims were taken to the appropriate hospitals to receive the care they needed.Due to Hennessy’s swift actions, the victims were treated on the scene, stabilized, and transported to the appropriate hospitals in time. Through her experience, and the resources in the emergency department, Hennessy was able to work closely with paramedics in the field, ensuring that all of the patients received the lifesaving care they needed.
Kaiser Permanente—Kaiser Permanente Anaheim Emergency Response Team
Kaiser Permanente Anaheim’s Emergency Department was at capacity. Arriving for their night shift, the team of nurses and doctors were mindful of the challenging circumstances while making patient care and safety their priority. Around two in the morning, a car came to a screeching halt in front of the Emergency Department entrance. A woman came running out, yelling for help as her father was slumped over the front passenger seat, gasping for air. Immediately, the triage staff called “CODE ASSIST: NEED ROOM AND CRASH CART, STAT!” Without hesitation, Kaiser Permanente Anaheim’s Emergency Response Team went into action.Charge nurses Kori and Chrystal quickly gathered the patient’s history from the woman who said that her father was coughing, unable to breath, and collapsed as they drove up to the emergency room. Security guard Edward rolled a gurney to the vehicle and worked with ERA’s Chase and Matt to coordinate a power lift of the now unconscious man onto the gurney. Rowena initiated chest compressions as Matt, Chase, and Kori rolled the patient towards the emergency department’s resuscitation room. Once in the room, the team was met by nurse Kaleb who continued with chest compressions. Respiratory therapist, Adrian, arrived seconds later with ventilator equipment while emergency nurses Veberly and Chad, together with Daniel, supported with IV access to administer lifesaving medication. Emergency doctors, Dr. Carle and Dr. Ly, led the resuscitation, infusing IV fluids and medications. Though the patient remained unresponsive for a few minutes, the Code Assist Team was determined to bring him back to life. Thirteen minutes after the patient arrived, the team accomplished their goal. With a strong and steady pulse now, the team was able to do further testing. Results were indicative of a heart attack. As Code STEMI was called, Ward Clerk Lectrice and Assistant Clinical Director Megan shared findings with a team of cardiologists at another hospital. After careful evaluation, the patient was admitted into Kaiser Permanente Anaheim’s ICU for observation. Crystal, who had been communicating with the patient’s family in their native language during this time, volunteered to be the patient’s primary nurse so that she could continue to keep the family informed. That day, Kaiser Permanente Anaheim’s Emergency Response Team demonstrated the definition of teamwork.
MemorialCare—Jeff Lung, RN, Clinical Supervisor and Disaster Preparedness Chair, Orange Coast Medical Center Emergency Department
Imagine a frightened 8-year-old boy suffering from excruciating abdominal pain, walking into a busy emergency room with his mother. Add to that, the young boy’s fear of needles. This is what happened recently to Emergency Department Clinical Supervisor Jeff Lung of MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. After assessing the boy’s symptoms, Jeff determined what tests would be needed to confirm a diagnosis. He learned quickly, however, that his young patient had a paralyzing fear of needles. With two boys of his own, Jeff leaned on his fatherly understanding. Amidst the chaos in the emergency room that day, he was patient, kind, and he took the time to explain, step-by-step, what the young patient would experience.To ease the young patient’s fears, Jeff allowed the young boy to touch and see the medical equipment. As test results came in, it became clear that the patient had acute appendicitis and needed emergency surgery. The eight-year-old boy wanted to leave. His mother, also frightened, thought it would be better to wait for an appointment with the pediatrician another day, rather than having her son experience this type of medical procedure at such an early age. After patiently explaining the medical procedure, and the benefit of seeking medical treatment immediately versus delaying it, Jeff was able to help the patient’s mom have peace of mind with her decision to seek medical treatment right away. In this case, with a young pediatric patient suffering from excruciating abdominal pain due to acute appendicitis, Jeff’s fatherly gentle approach was key to achieving the best outcome for the patient. Jeff treated the young boy and his mother as if they were family, recognizing that the psychological aspects of what patients experience are just as critical as treating their physical condition. This type of experience is common among emergency departments. The resilience, patience, and compassion shown day-in and day-out is nothing short of heroic.
Orange County Fire Authority—Grace Romero, Fire Communications Dispatcher
In February of 2022, Fire Communications Dispatcher Grace Romero received two 9-1-1 calls for a reported gunshot wound at the same Laguna Niguel address. The second call was made by the victim’s husband, whom Grace quickly figured out was also the shooter, still armed, and barricaded inside the house. It was up to Grace to curtail the situation, get the victim—who was disabled and in a wheelchair—emergency care, and apprehend the suspect—all with a peaceful outcome. Two important things to note. First, the average length of a 9-1-1 call is about 3 ½ minutes, however, this 9-1-1 call lasted 45 minutes. Second, when a 9-1-1 call is placed, it typically goes to the local law enforcement agency. If the incident is for a medical or fire-related event, the call is transferred to Orange County Fire Authority. Although OCFA dispatchers receive extensive training, normally law enforcement handles caller interrogation like in this type of scenario. However, Grace remaining the primary interrogator, speaks volumes about her professionalism and experience. By keeping dialogue open with both the suspect and the victim, Dispatcher Romero was able to earn their trust, and gather the necessary details to relay to fire and police responders in the field. Dealing with an armed suspect, Dispatcher Romero accomplished the incredibly difficult task of convincing the suspect to deliver the victim outside so she could receive medical attention, while the suspect was taken into custody without incident. Dispatcher Romero’s professionalism, communication, and actions were paramount for the positive conclusion of this incident. Fire Communications Dispatcher Romero is an astounding example of a 9-1-1 professional, taking in information, sending help, and immediately becoming a lifeline to the victim, ending in a favorable outcome.
Orange County Sheriff’s Department—Stacy M. Cole, Deputy Sheriff II
When it comes to saving a life, sometimes a courageous split-second decision can make all the difference. That is how Deputy Stacy Cole responded one night in May of 2022. A caller asked deputies to check on her 22-year-old grandson in Mission Viejo who sounded intoxicated and depressed. In this case, however, there was just one small problem—the caller did not know her grandson’s apartment number. Dispatched to make the welfare check, Deputy Cole, along with her partners, tracked down a phone number for the man and called to determine his exact location. During the call, the man agreed to meet the deputies at his front door. When they arrived, Deputy Cole spoke with the man, showing empathy for his situation. Then, without warning, the man pulled a revolver from his waistband, and pointed it at himself during their conversation. In a split-second, Deputy Cole immediately—and successfully—performed a gun take-away. She secured the firearm as her partners took the man into custody, later transporting him to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation. Deputy Cole’s courageous actions are a reflection of the exemplary values held by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Providence—Jennifer M. Lawson, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, SCRN, MICN, Registered Nurse, St. Jude Medical Center
On a busy morning, nurse Jennifer Lawson arrived for her shift in the emergency department at Providence St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton. That morning, the hospital was at capacity, making wait times for patients who needed to be admitted somewhat challenging. As Jennifer began assessing her patients, one in particular stood out—a 40-year-old man waiting to be admitted for chest pain. Despite the patient’s young age, there was reason for caution due to risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Jennifer, drawing on her years of emergency medicine as a nurse, and seeing the patient complain of chest pain, knew that the patient required further assessment. After a cardiac monitor revealed that the heart rate and rhythm showed no characteristics of a heart attack, Jennifer listened to her instincts and obtained an order for another test, an electrocardiogram. While that test was being performed, Jennifer was alerted about abnormal test results from the previous exam. Determined to get her patient the right care, she took the initiative to share the results of the electrocardiogram with the cardiologist on call. Her instincts were confirmed by the doctor, and Jennifer saw to it that the patient was rushed to the cardiac cath lab where a 99% blockage was identified and opened. Jennifer’s critical thinking, background in emergency medicine as a nurse, and thorough assessment skills saved this young man’s life.
UCI Health—Alliya S. Qazi, M.D., Trauma Surgeon
The morning of November 16, 2022, nearly 75 Los Angeles County Sheriff’s recruits were on a training run in Whittier. At 6:26 a.m., a wrong-way driver in an SUV plowed into the recruits, injuring more than two dozen of them. “It looked like an airplane wreck,” then-LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said at a news conference across the street from UCI Medical Center, where several critically injured cadets were transported. “There were so many bodies scattered everywhere in different states of injury, it was pretty traumatic,” Sheriff Villanueva continued. Trauma surgeon Dr. Alliya Qazi was on service that morning, coordinating the advanced trauma life support activation, triaging, and treating the injured cadets with her colleagues. According to a news report by KNBC-TV, many of the cadets who were paramedics and EMTs tended to their injured peers, acts that helped the victims once they arrived at the hospital. Because of Dr. Qazi and UCI Health’s trauma team’s efforts, the cadets who were brought to UCI Health survived. When Sheriff Villanueva later made a visit to the hospital, he thanked Dr. Qazi and the team for saving the lives of the cadets. Dr. Qazi fully reflects UCI’s “Discover, Teach, Heal” mission locally and abroad. For instance, she was part of a team of surgeons with the International Medical Corps that traveled to Ukraine to teach courses to Ukrainian physicians and nurses. Whether practicing medicine internationally, or in Orange County, Dr. Qazi is dedicated to UCI Medical Center’s longstanding tradition of excellence and commitment. The university is proud to have Dr. Alliya Qazi continue this tradition.
For more information
Lauren Martin
Vice President, Events & Special Projects
Orange County Business Council
949.794.7241
[email protected]