Honored for bravery, service
GLENDALE — Life-saving rescuers and dedicated firefighters took center stage Wednesday during the annual Glendale Fire Department Awards at the Hilton Glendale.
More than 20 firefighters, paramedics, engineers and community members were honored for their bravery and public service during the ceremony.
“Today’s a celebration for us,” Fire Chief Harold Scoggins said. “When the call comes into the dispatch center, our goal is to solve the problem, it doesn’t matter what the problem is.”
Firefighter-paramedic Christopher Malaspino and firefighter Daniel Haleen were among a team of nine who were honored for their bravery during a house fire and rescue in Montrose.
On May 4, a disabled man in his 30s was trapped in his burning house. The door couldn’t open, as heavy clutter complicated rescue, firefighters said.
They entered through the window, got the man out, and treated him until he could arrive at the hospital. He survived.
“It was an indescribable moment,” Haleen said Wednesday. “It feels good that the man’s alive and we were able to help him out that day.”
Those honored said they were flattered and privileged, but that anyone on the force could have been awarded. They just happened to be on duty that day, Malaspino said.
Most of his family and friends don’t know about the rescue, Malaspino said.
“We’re humble about things, we’re doing our jobs,” he said. “We’re trained for it. We had to get in and get this guy out. That’s it.”
But it’s more than that, Mayor Ara Najarian said in his speech.
“They are as committed and dedicated towards the most valuable and highest ethic that anyone can have, and that is protecting lives and saving lives,” he said. “We all sleep better at night with you on the job.”
Firefighter Todd Tucker, engineer Darik Bolin and Capt. Thomas Marchant personify that commitment, officials said. The three were awarded the Distinguished Service Award for their professionalism and hard work.
“It’s an honor to work for such a great organization and nice to be recognized for the work we do every day,” Tucker said. “Every time we’re out in the community, it’s always positive…it’s one of the things that gets me to work every day.”
FYI
Fire Chief’s Commendations
Mania Hoonanian — City of Glendale Human Resources
Firefighter David Guangorena
Firefighter Daniel Haleen
Firefighter-paramedic Christopher Malaspino
Neil Wilson — Las Palmas neighbor
Firefighter-paramedic David Monheim
Firefighter-paramedic Christopher Mays
Unit Citations
Capt. Cordell Harges
Engineer Chris Raden
Firefighter Sal Sanchez
Firefighter Mike Burt
Firefighter-paramedic Ryan Lopez
Firefighter-paramedic Mark Thomas
Capt. Rudy Woody
Engineer Thomas Dyrness
Firefighter Daniel Haleen
Firefighter James Lytle
Engineer Steve Egbert
Firefighter Robert Bishop
Firefighter-paramedic Christopher Mays
Firefighter-paramedic David Monheim
Firefighter-paramedic Christopher Malaspino
Fire Chief’s Vision Award
Retired Deputy Chief Steve Howard
Service Above Self Award
Carol Ann Burton
Distinguished Service Award
Firefighter-paramedic Todd Tucker
Fire engineer Darik Bolin
Capt. Thomas Marchant