LOS ANGELES - Each year, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation honors members of the Department who have demonstrated exceptional bravery, excellence, and commitment to their community.

This year the Medal of Valor and Award of Merit honorees include seven members who distinguished themselves while off duty in Las Vegas, during the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival and a member who saved the lives of three young children at a structure fire in Wilmington.    

The “Valor Beyond the Call” 2018 Awards Luncheon will be held from 1100 to 1300 hrs. on Thursday, November 1, 2018, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel.  Tickets can be purchased before Tuesday the 30th by calling 310/552-4139 or emailing info@lafd.org. 

Medal of Valor:  A member is entitled to consideration for this award by performing an act of conspicuous heroism and/or bravery under extreme personal risk above and beyond the calculated personal risk demands of the fire service.  Seven members earned this prestigious award this year, they are:

Firefighter/Paramedic Rio-Bec Hernandez

Firefighter III Darin Crandell

Captain II Ted Kalnas

Captain I Brett Kearns

Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Mandahl

Firefighter III Nicholas Shrode

Engineer Robert James Hays III

Award of Merit:  Earned by members taking conspicuous action in rendering aid during a life-saving or life-threatening situation under circumstances which pose calculated risk to the members or performing an endeavor which brings significant credit to the Department.  This outstanding award goes to:

Firefighter III Anthony Michael Cresta

Lifetime Achievement Award:  Presented to a retiree of the Department who exemplifies the true spirit of “Service to the Community” through their actions while on active duty and as a retired member.  This year’s recipient is:

Chaplain George Negrete (retired)

The Crystal Flame Community Service Award:  Presented to a sworn member of the Department who has gone beyond their regular duties, demonstrating exceptional compassion and personal commitment to the community.  This year’s recipients are:

Battalion Chief Alicia Welch (retired)

Battalion Chief Kris Larson

Captain II Monica Hall

Captain I Jennifer Wilcox

Chief’s Distinguished Service Award:  Presented when an individual or a Section of the Department performs with distinction in service to the LAFD and the community.  We are proud to present this award to: 

LAFD Air Operations

Legacy Service Award:  In her role as the former President of the LAFD Foundation, she was instrumental in raising money to fund and develop youth programs, technology, equipment, and leadership training for our Department.  We are honored to give this award to: Ms. Karen Wagener.

"Our members routinely respond to a variety of incidents that place significant risks on themselves. The members being honored have exceeded what is typically expected of them and deserve to be recognized. I would like to acknowledge the LAFD Foundation for making this event possible, with special thanks to our new Foundation President, Ms. Liz Lin, our Board Chairman Mr. Mike Ahmar as well as the Foundation Board and Support members who have worked tirelessly to produce another outstanding event." - LAFD Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas