Sacramento >> Officer Adam Garcia of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Clear Lake Area received a Medal of Valor on Thursday for demonstrating extraordinary acts of bravery and heroism in order to save the life of another.
Gov. Jerry Brown’s Executive Secretary, Nancy McFadden, presented the 52 honorees, from eight state departments, with the Medal of Valor. The award is the highest honor that California bestows on its public servants.
“These individuals put their lives on the line, acting selflessly to protect others.” McFadden said. “They are our modern day heroes.”
On the evening of Jan. 27, 2013, Garcia dealt with both fire and icy water to save the lives of two victims of a vehicle crash. When Garcia answered a call about a pickup that had slid sideways off the road and flipped end over end on Highway 29, he found a vehicle wedged against an embankment in a creek of icy water, with two people trapped inside.
As Garcia climbed down the steep, rocky bank, the passenger side of the engine compartment became fully engulfed in flames.
Both doors were jammed shut. Garcia could not pull the driver out his window because the driver had a leg in a cast, which was pinned under the dashboard. He managed to pull the passenger by the arm, over the driver and out the driver’s side window. By persistently tugging on the driver, Garcia was able to free the man’s leg and drag him through the window.
Garcia’s actions saved the lives of both individuals.
“California’s public servants are dedicated to their state,” said CalHR Director Richard Gillihan. “These acts of bravery are not surprising because these individuals have dedicated their careers to helping others. They represent the best in public service.”
The recipients received their Medal of Valor for actions both on and off-duty. Actions include saving children from drowning and intervening in a gang-related stabbing. Award nominations are made by the employee’s department and selected by the director of CalHR.
On March 6, 1959, the first gold Medal of Valor was presented to CHP officer Robert W. Walker by Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Sr. Walker entered a burning house and rescued a 2-year-old boy who was left all alone that night.
Walker’s heroic act set the standard for the award and began a proud legacy. Since 1959, 523 California state employees from 28 departments have received a Medal of Valor.
