Swift Water Rescue

Engine 98 was dispatched as part of swift water rescue assignment to two reported victims in the Pacoima Wash.  As Engine 98 arrived on scene, crew members immediately saw two young girls trapped in fast moving water only a short distance upstream from their location. 

Engine 98 was first to arrive at the rescue point for the Pacoima Wash.  Under orders from Captain Roger Duke, Firefighter Ralph Hester grabbed the bolt cutters, cut the locks and opened the gates.  Engineer Cleveland Tipton then positioned the apparatus as a hard point adjacent to the trapezoidal channels as Firefighter Michael Celestino ran to the edge of the channel to check for victims.  The victims were approximately 75 yards away rapidly approaching their location.

Firefighter Celestino with full swift water rescue equipment on his body, grabbed a drop bag and tied himself to the end of the line.  He then threw the drop bag to Firefighter Hester who, in full confidence, secured the line to Engine 98.  The life of Firefighter Celestino was now in the hands of the knot that Firefighter Hester secured. 

Charging over the embankment to the water’s edge, Firefighter Celestino awaited the approach of the two girls.  Captain Duke and Engineer Tipton, without the security of a tethered safety line, followed Firefighter Celestino over the edge to assist as the girls were rapidly approaching. 

Firefighter Celestino was knocked over by the velocity of the wter and the speeding girls, but he was able to pin both of them against the bank with his body.  Captain Duke and Engineer Tipton got to the edge just in time and helped secure Firefighter Celestino and the two girls onto the bank and pulled all three out of the water.

Both girls were brought to dry land, evaluated and transported to the hospital in good condition.  Little did they know that they were just several feet away from an extremely dangerous water hazard that would have surely taken their lives. 

Through the actions of Captain Roger Duke, Engineer Cleveland Tipton, Firefighter Ralph Hester and Firefighter Michael Celestino, two young girls’ lives were saved.

All four members played an important role in this incident’s outcome and because of their involvement, the Medal of Merit is bestowed upon FF Michael Celestino, Engineer Cleveland Tipton and Captain Roger Duke.  For his ability to oversee the rescue and provide the foundation and the security for his fellow firefighters’ efforts a Special Commendation is awarded to Firefighter Ralph Hester.