Four High Desert-based San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department deputies were among 25 recipients of Medals of Valor last week, including one who was recognized with an award for two separate incidents.
The deputies were recognized for their heroism in rescuing community members from burning buildings on three separate occasions in Apple Valley and Adelanto, according to the agency.
Thursday's Medal of Valor ceremony honored deputies, firefighters, police officers and community members for courage and dedication displayed in 2022 and 2023.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus commended each of the recipients.
"I couldn’t be more proud of the heroes we honored from our department and the community," he said. "Putting yourself in harms way to save another is what make these heroes exceptional."
The medals were presented by Assistant Sheriff Rick Bessinger, who said Dicus was unable to attend the event due to a family emergency.
"Some recipients rescued people trapped in fully engulfed homes and others aided severely injured hikers and individuals from traffic collisions," the sheriff's department said in a written statement. "One community member intervened to stop an armed suspect. Additionally, a group received recognition for their efforts in saving Deputy Marcus Mason's life, who was wounded in the line of duty during a 2022 traffic stop in Rancho Cucamonga."
Apple Valley retirement community fire
Deputy Ernesto Madrigal received his medal for rescuing an elderly, disabled man from a smoke-filled apartment on May 30, 2023.
He was the first to arrive at the fire at the Jess Ranch retirement community and saw that the front of the home and the garage were already engulfed in flames.
"Explosions could be heard coming from the residence," according to a commendation read aloud during the ceremony.
Madrigal jumped a fence and made his way into the home via a back door, officials said. When he opened it, he could not see inside due to heavy smoke. But when he called out to any possible victims inside, he heard a faint male voice respond.
"Without hesitation, Ernesto entered the residence and located an elderly man who was disabled and had trouble walking," according to the commendation. "Ernesto was able to evacuate the man from the residence and get him to medical aid personnel. If it wasn't for the swift decisions, followed by the selfless actions of Ernest, the Jess Ranch retirement community would be mourning the loss of their friend."
Child and dog rescued from burning home in Adelanto
Deputy Larry Torres received his first of two medals for a rescue that took place on May 15, 2022, at a home that had caught fire in Adelanto.
"Larry was the first to arrive and was immediately approached by a frantic mother who told Larry her 9-year-old son was trapped inside the residence," his commendation said.
Torres searched the smoke- and flame-filled home until he found the boy with his pet dog in a rear bedroom of the home, authorities said. The child refused to leave without his pet.
The quick-thinking deputy forced opened a window and helped the animal through. Once the dog was safe, the boy then allowed Torres to help him escape through the window, as well.
"Larry's decision to enter the burning residence without due regard for his own safety is the reason the child will have many more years to spend with his best furry friend," according to the commendation.
Bedridden woman rescued from Adelanto apartment fire
Torres was again awarded the Medal of Valor, along with fellow deputies Jacob Delano and Kevin Konior for another rescue during a fire at an Adelanto apartment complex on Jan. 16, 2023.
Delano and Konior arrived on scene and found a unit in the apartment complex was "fully engulfed" in flames, according to the commendation.
"Jacob and Kevin located a resident who was bedridden and could not evacuate on her own," commendation stated. "They entered her smoke-filled apartment and carried her to the courtyard, where they were met by Larry. With Larry's assistance, they were able to carry her out of the complex to safety.
The three deputies then went back into the complex and managed to help another 12 residents evacuate.
"If it wasn't for the selfless act of the three deputies and a disregard for their own safety, the apartment fire could have resulted in the tragic loss of several lives," the commendation said.
A video recording of the ceremony is available on the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department YouTube page at youtube.com/SanBernardinoSheriff.
Most Popular
Comments / 0