LAGUNA NIGUEL : Deputy Who Risked Life Given Award

For risking his life in the line of duty, Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Anderson was honored Monday with the Award of Valor from the California State Firemen’s Assn.

Although the award is reserved for firefighters, Anderson was singled out for trying to save an elderly woman from her burning condominium in May.

While on routine patrol, Anderson spotted flames coming from a residential neighborhood and quickly moved to track the fire. After circling several blocks, he found the burning building only to discover that the Fire Department had not yet responded.

Fearing there were occupants inside, he entered the flaming condominium to search for victims. He made three unsuccessful attempts to rescue the elderly woman and at one point collapsed from smoke inhalation. The woman died in the fire.

For his action, Anderson was presented with the award, which is given to people who have rendered services above and beyond that which is normally expected. According to the firemen’s association, “when a person places his own life in jeopardy to save the life of another, his actions should not go unheralded.”

Anderson was honored for his bravery at a reception in Sacramento on Monday.