Awards honor acts of bravery
Firefighters and the civilians they’re sworn to protect were recognized for their bravery and quick actions in nerve-racking emergency situations at an annual awards ceremony Wednesday.
Glendale resident Hovek Manokian was one of 12 community members and leaders who received the Fire Chief’s commendation for putting out a fire with two extinguishers after discovering flames coming from a clothes dryer on March 23 in his apartment building.
After alerting the Fire Department and other residents of the blaze at the complex on the 1200 block of North Columbus Avenue, he used extinguishers to put out the fire and turned off the gas to the dryer.
“This could have been far worse,” Glendale Fire Chief Harold Scoggins said. “The fire could have spread to another apartment. The building could have burned down. Many families could have been displaced.”
Glendale, he added, is a community full of people who take action.
Nestlé employees Kimberly Bell, Abigail Lillich, Darryl Copeland and Yevime Cherchian were also commended for their swift actions in helping a 50-year-old man who had collapsed while working out inside the Brand Boulevard building gym.
Their quick acts eventually helped to save the man’s life.
Glendale and Pasadena firefighters and paramedics were also honored for their bravery in coming to the rescue of distressed dogs trapped inside a fiery home on the 3100 block of Linda Vista Road.
They searched for the victims on June 9 inside the home even as rounds of ammunition went off due to the fire’s heat. One of two dogs were rescued and the family was unharmed.
“It’s really important to recognize these individuals because a little thing like ammunition going off didn’t stop them and they were able to get the job done,” Scoggins said.
Scoggins and City Manager Jim Starbird, who is retiring at year’s end, were also honored for their service and support of the Fire Department.
“There are two things that [Scoggins] always looks at when he’s going to make a decision: how is it going to affect safety in the community and how it is going to affect the safety of the firefighters,” Glendale Firefighters’ Assn. President Chris Stavros said.
The ceremony was cut short when award recipient John Krikorian collapsed due to an apparent heart attack.
--
LIST OF AWARDEES
Letters of Appreciation
Jerry Jacobs, City of Glendale retired firefighter
Amanda Avila, City of Glendale
Rand Jeffery, City of Glendale
Gary Christensen, City of Glendale
Tony Mendoza
Junior Fire Essay Winners
Ian Camner, Chief
Jaela Primm, Assistant Chief
Elizabeth Rayco, Deputy Chief
Fire Chief’s Commendations
Hovek Manokian
Syna Sturdivant, Disney
Firefighter/Paramedic
Craig Hammond
Richard Bonner
Vage Dishagapzyan
Mike Matlock, retired, City of Glendale
Kimberly Bell, Nestle
Abigail Lillich, Nestle
Darryl Copeland, Nestle
Yevime Cherchian, Nestle
Yolanda Rodriguez, City of Glendale
Julie Schaeffer, City of Glendale
Unit Citations
Glendale Engine 23A
Captain Dan Nichols
Engineer John McGaffin
Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Butterfield
Firefighter Kellen McLaughlin
Glendale RA26A
Firefighter/Paramedic Andrew Gano
Firefighter/Paramedic Jeffrey Brooks
Pasadena Engine 38A
BC Mike Maas
Firefighter/Paramedic Jim Todd
Engineer Ray Villa
Firefighter Dan Haro
Service Above Self
John Krikorian
Distinguished Service Awards
Firefighter David An
Engineer Jeremy Frazier
Captain Stu Stefani