Early in the evening of May 14, 2015, a slow-moving thunderstorm in the San Fernando Valley produced a heavy downfall of rain in a short period of time. Just before sunset, Light Force 73 received a dispatch for a physical rescue, which was changed enroute to a swift water rescue. Upon arriving at the intersection of Parthenia Street and Wilbur Avenue, the responding units found a large crowd gathered on a bridge shouting for the firefighters to help someone trapped in the vertical wall storm channel of the Aliso Canyon Wash.
A male victim was gripping an expansion joint in the wash’s wall, shouting that he couldn’t hold on much longer. The water was moving very fast and appeared to be approximately six feet deep. Saving the victim’s life required immediate action, but because they were unprepared for a swift water rescue and weren’t properly suited up, the responding firefighters had only enough time to throw off their turnout coats as they moved into action.
The first responders cut the lock on the gate and ran to where the victim was located, throwing the main line and harness down to him. Engineer Dean Stroud used a rotary saw to cut the fence along the storm channel, while Apparatus Operator Donald Dillenberger improvised a harness, tethering himself to a suitable anchor point and lowering himself into the roaring wash. Members of the team supported them by lowering a 16-foot ladder into the water along the vertical wall.
Working as a firefighter and “locking in” to the ladder without the benefit of normal safety gear or additional equipment, Captain Joe Flores entered the wash to successfully rescue the victim, who in the end was lifted out with the combined efforts of the remaining members of Light Force 73 and Engine 70. The victim and two LAFD members were transported to Northridge Hospital. After being medically cleared, both Dillenberger and Flores returned to work the remainder of their shift.
The actions of A/O Dillenberger and Captain Flores put them in extreme personal risk. They demonstrated courage and bravery, “risking a lot to save a lot,” and were each awarded with the Department’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor.
The support and teamwork offered by Light Force 73 and Engine 70 members is a shining example of the can-do attitude of LAFD members. The actions of Engineer Dean Stroud, FF/PM Emile Williams, FF Edward Salas, FF Joel Smith, Capt Charles Boswell, Capt Torstenbo, FF/PM Kevin Davis and FF/PM Antonio Lovato were worthy of Special Commendation.