In a heartfelt ceremony held on Monday evening, the Placentia community came together to honor the heroic actions of local first responders who played a crucial role in a life-saving rescue. The event recognized the bravery and quick thinking of Captain Joshua Martin, Engineer Samuel Listo, and Firefighter Mark Aguirre from the Placentia Fire Department, along with Officer Assad Khan from the Placentia Police Department.

The commendation stemmed from a dramatic incident that occurred on May 20th, when emergency crews were dispatched to reports of smoke emanating from a storm drain. Upon arrival, they discovered a woman trapped inside, suffering from severe burns and smoke inhalation. The situation escalated as it was revealed that she was unable to extricate herself from the hazardous environment.

Demonstrating exceptional teamwork and resourcefulness, the firefighters utilized a New York hook to assist the victim, enabling her to hold on while they hoisted her to safety. Their swift actions not only saved her life but also highlighted the critical role of public safety personnel in emergency situations.

During the ceremony, Chief Dobine presented life-saving medals to the honorees, acknowledging their extraordinary efforts that went beyond the call of duty. The life-saving medal is awarded to individuals who demonstrate remarkable courage and prompt action in saving lives, and the recipients were commended for their dedication to serving the Placentia community.

The event concluded with expressions of gratitude from city officials and community members, celebrating the commitment of these first responders to protect and serve. The rescued victim, now recovering, serves as a testament to the impact of their heroic actions.