Wilson Honors Injured Firefighters During Visit

Eager to show the state’s gratitude, Gov. Pete Wilson on Tuesday presented special service medals at the hospital bedsides of three firefighters injured in the Calabasas-Malibu brush fire last week.

The governor, who spent several minutes with each of the heavily bandaged firefighters still recovering at the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital, presented them with the Governor’s Fire Service Award.

“I’m honored to get this,” said Glendale Firefighter Scott French, who had skin graft surgery Monday. “I was just doing my duty.”

French, 41, told the governor he was accepting the medal on behalf of other firefighters who were taking the risks their jobs called for in order to save homes and lives.

“We’re all in this together,” said French, who was listed in good condition. His head and arm bandaged, he showed good spirits when he greeted the governor by asking, “You like my Halloween costume?”

Wilson, saying it was difficult to find words strong enough to express his gratitude and that of residents statewide for the firefighters’ courage, also announced that the service award was being presented to a total of seven firefighters injured last week.

Besides French, those honored were Los Angeles city firefighters Bob Mihlhauser, Surgey “Guy” Tomlinson, Richard Kirkwood, Ross Torstenbo, Glendale Firefighter William Jensen and Long Beach Firefighter Don Parkins.

At French’s request, Wilson spoke to Parkins by telephone.

“They are extraordinary,” Wilson said later. “They have the guts of lions. They take it in stride. I don’t. I don’t think the rest of us do.

“There is no way that we can adequately thank these men for what they have done,” Wilson said. “I’m here for myself and for 31 million other Californians who will not have the opportunity to shake the hands of these heroes.”

The governor also visited briefly with Torstenbo, 42, who was in good condition, and Jensen, 52, who remains in critical condition following nearly four hours of surgery Tuesday.

“Just a terrific job,” Wilson told Torstenbo, whose head, neck and arms were wrapped in bandages. “I know those homeowners out there feel that way.”

“Thank you very much for stopping by,” Torstenbo said to Wilson before telling Los Angeles Fire Chief Bill Bamattre, “I feel a lot better today.”

Hospital administrators said doctors were monitoring French and Torstenbo before deciding whether more surgery would be necessary. They may be released this weekend, administrators said.

Dr. A. Richard Grossman, founder of the burn center, said a team of 15 medical professionals, including five surgeons, worked on Jensen on Tuesday in his second extensive surgery.

Jensen, who suffered second- and third-degree burns on more than 70% of his body, underwent an operation similar to his initial surgery last Friday, mainly removing burned and dead skin and replacing it with cadaver skin used as a biological dressing, Grossman said.

Administrators said additional surgery on Jensen is expected Friday or Monday. He may be removed from a respiratory support system this week so that he can speak to his family, they said.

“This afternoon he’s resting quite comfortably,” Grossman said. “It’s still day-by-day with him.”

Authorities said the firefighters were trying to protect homes in Corral Canyon when they were overtaken by flames Oct. 22. An investigation is continuing, they said.

Since the injuries, an outpouring of support has included a 24-hour vigil by relatives, friends and colleagues, community efforts to raise money and blood, and gifts of food and flowers as well as cards and letters of encouragement.

On Tuesday, William Rolland, a retired Los Angeles firefighter who started the William Rolland Firefighters Foundation in 1988, donated $10,000 to help Jensen and the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Assn.

Glendale Fire Chief Richard Hinz said the governor’s visit and the outpouring of support was tremendous.

“It meant a lot to them,” he said of the injured firefighters. “I think it’s very positive.”