2013 LAFD Awards Luncheon
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation hosted a luncheon and awards ceremony to present the fire department’s highest honors to 40 firefighters and paramedics who have risked their lives to save others. Awards included Lifetime Achievement, Medal of Valor, Medal of Merit and Letters of Special Commendation. Fire Chief Brian Cummings presented the awards. He commented that, “Firefighters don’t like to be called heroes. They feel they are just doing their jobs.”
The event took place in the Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood & Highland Center where nearly 500 guests were moved and inspired by the stories of sacrifice and bravery narrated by Master of Ceremonies Phillip Palmer. Mayor Eric Garcetti spoke, and was joined in attendance by a host of other city officials.
The following LAFD members received awards at the ceremony:
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Captain James Finn (retired)
• Medal of Valor – FF David Mack, FF Jesse Franco, and FF Kendal Koneval
• Medal of Merit – FF Casey Glynn, Pilot Scott Bowman, FF Dan Childs, FF/PM Robert Steinbacher, FF/PM Joe St. Georges, and Eng Wolfe Jantz
• Special Commendation: FF Angel Arellano, FF/PM Jeffrey Bader, Engineer Kenneth Breskin, Capt William Bugg, FF Adam Chitiea, Eng Steven Domanski, A/O Robert Garcia, Eng Michael Gibson, FF/PM Mario Gonzalez, Capt Denise Jones, Capt Thomas Moore, FF Fernando Pattison, FF Peter Pulido, A/O Eddie Tapia, FF/PM Victor Villa, A/O Richard Garcia, Eng Christopher Aguirre, FF Joseph Luna, FF Raice Wicklas, FF/PM Stanley Miner, FF/PM Ivan Covin, Capt Scott Cooper, FF Bennie Orrantia, FF James Bizzini, FF Oscar Cespedes, FF Michael Sandoval, A/O Doak Smith, Eng John Raskin, Capt Kristin Crowley and A/O Hollyn Bullock.
In future issues of the Grapevine we will tell the individual stories of exceptional heroism, passion and loyalty exemplified by these first responders.
Photos by Juan Carlos Sanchez, LAFRA
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View photos from this event by clicking here.
