The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation hosted a luncheon and awards ceremony on November 2, 2017, to present the Fire Department’s highest honors to sworn and civilian members who exemplified courage, integrity and pride by going above and beyond the call of duty. Awards included Lifetime Achievement, Crystal Flame Community Achievement, Fire Chief’s Silver Civilian, Medals of Merit and Letters of Special Commendation. Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas presented the awards. He commented that, “Firefighters just say they are doing their jobs. But I am of the belief that everyone should know the great work our firefighters are doing.”
The event took place in the California Ballroom of the Westin Bonaventure in DTLA where nearly 500 guests were moved and inspired by the stories of sacrifice and bravery narrated by Master of Ceremonies Robert Kovacik from NBCLA.
The following LAFD members received awards at the ceremony:
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Captain Andrew Kuljis (retired)
• Crystal Flame Community Service Award – Captain Gregory Harvey and Firefighter/Paramedic Cory McDaniel
• Fire Chief’s Silver Civilian Award – Dr Marc Eckstein
• Medals of Merit – Firefighter/Paramedic Andrew Guzzard, and Firefighter Bryce Gutierrez,
• Special Commendation – Firefighter/Paramedic Christopher Kuzmicz, Captain/Paramedic John Marasco, Engineer Kameron Carlis, Engineer James Martin, Kenneth Fraser, Firefighter/Paramedic Joaquin Lapastora, and Firefighter James Eberle
In future issues of the Grapevine we will tell the individual stories of the exceptional heroism, passion and loyalty exemplified by these first responders.