Fire Department Honors Special Heroes

Over 150 people gathered at the Langham Huntington Hotel & Spa on Tuesday to join the Pasadena Fire Department in paying tribute to Pasadena firefighters, Dept. officials said.

In a department filled with heroes, the gathering focused in on some especially outstanding firefighters.

Recipents honored and their accomplishments were:

Medal of Meritorious Service: Todd J. Witt
Firefighter / Paramedic

Firefighter/Paramedic Todd J. Witt was honored for his devoted service to the Pasadena Fire Department by performing on his bagpipe at funerals, memorial services, and civic events in Pasadena and throughout the State of California. For over a decade Firefighter/Paramedic Witt has provided emotional support to Fire Dept. personnel and their families, through his performances.

Medal of Meritorious Service: Armando Salazar
Firefighter

Firefighter Armando F. N. Salazar assisted the Pasadena Police Department during a physical altercation on September 1, 2008, at the Rose Bowl. While on duty as an Inspector during a UCLA football game, Firefighter Salazar became aware that two Pasadena Police officers were attempting to arrest a spectator who was resisting them. This resulted in an altercation in which one officer was shoved away by the spectator. As the second officer gripped the spectator around the neck, their forward motion put them in jeopardy of going over a guardrail near a significant drop. Firefighter Salazar grabbed the spectator’s hand and arm and pulled him and the officer away from the guardrail, then he twisted the arm of the spectator behind his back and swept his legs out from under him sending the spectator to the ground. At this point, the officer was able to get the spectator under control and handcuff him.

The “Westin Incident”
Unit Citation (Second Award): Richard C. Roldan
Firefighter / Paramedic

Firefighter/Paramedic Richard C. Roldan was recognized for his professional acumen in referring Matthew Winston to a facility that was able to diagnose and treat a potentially life-threatening condition. Winston’s condition, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, had been misdiagnosed at two emergency rooms and by a dermatologist prior to being seen by Firefighter/Paramedic Roldan. Stevens-Johnsons Syndrome is an allergic reaction that attacks the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs, and, if left untreated, is ultimately fatal. Thanks to Firefighter/Paramedic Roldan, Winston received the proper diagnosis and life-saving treatment.

The “Westin Incident”
Unit Citation: William Basulto
Firefighter / Paramedic

Firefighter/Paramedic William Basulto was also highlighted for his professional care of Matthew Winston. Basulto treated Winston with the fluid therapy necessary to ensure his survival. The treatment provided by Firefighter / Paramedic Basulto helped saved Winston’s life.

The “Hill Incident”
Unit Citation: Tony T. Fung
Fire Captain

Also honored was Captain Tony T. Fung, a member of Pasadena Fire Department Engine Company 33 and Rescue Ambulance 33, for helping to save the life of a fifty-five year old patient who suffered a cardio-pulmonary arrest while at home. Captain Fung participated in preparing medications that were administered to the patient intravenously, and collected the vital medical history needed by the paramedic contacting Huntington Hospital for treatment orders. The patient was successfully resuscitated and later discharged from the hospital. The assistance provided by Captain Fung helped save the patient’s life.

The “Hill Incident”
Unit Citation: Stephen C. Hall
Fire Engineer

Engineer Stephen C. Hall was also honored for helping to save the life of the fifty-five year old patient who suffered a cardio-pulmonary arrest while at home. Engineer Hall assisted by establishing access to the victim’s veins with an intravenous line, then administering the cardiac stimulant drug Epinephrine in order to help start cardiac activity.

The “Hill Incident”
Unit Citation: Jason A. Hansen
Firefighter / Paramedic

Firefighter / Paramedic Hansen was also recognized for assiting in the same incident. Firefighter / Paramedic Hansen recognized that the patient did not have a pulse and immediately began chest compressions. These chest compressions provided the blood flow necessary to ensure that the patient received oxygen to his brain during the time his heart was not beating on its own.

The “Hill Incident”
Unit Citation: Paul L. Hampton
Firefighter

Firefighter Paul L. Hampton was also recognized for assisting in the same incident. Firefighter Hampton assessed the patient to see if he was breathing, when he noted that the patient was not breathing, using an oral-pharyngeal airway, he began breathing for the patient with this bag-valve-mask device. He continued the rescue breathing until the patient regained his respiratory drive on the way to the hospital.

The “Hill Incident”
Unit Citation: Varoujan V. Lazaryan
Firefighter / Paramedic

Firefighter / Paramedic Varoujan V. Lazaryan was also recognized for assisting in the same incident. Firefighter/Paramedic Lazaryan placed the patient on a heart monitor to assess his cardiac rhythm. When he recognized that the patient was in ventricular fibrillation, Firefighter/Paramedic Lazaryan immediately administered the appropriate electric shock to help stimulate cardiac activity.

The “Hill Incident”
Unit Citation (Third Award): Richard C. Roldan
Firefighter / Paramedic

Firefighter / Paramedic Richard C. Roldan was also recognized for helping to save the life of the fifty-five year old patient who suffered a cardio-pulmonary arrest.  Firefighter/Paramedic Roldan collected the patient’s medical history and documented the treatment administered to save his life. He also made verbal contact with Huntington Hospital to relay the situation to the emergency room staff and secure the necessary medical orders to treat the victim.

Employee of the Year: Richard C. Roldan
Firefighter / Paramedic

In recognition of Firefighter / Paramedic Richard C. Roldan for consistently demonstrating an exceptional dedication to duty and commitment to the community. Firefighter/Paramedic Roldan has worked diligently to organize the Department’s Explorer program in order to enhance the experience for the young people who participate in the program. He is a member of the Relief Association and dedicates countless hours, both off and on duty, tending to the emotional and physical needs of its members. Firefighter / Paramedic Roldan also has tremendous knowledge of vehicle finishes and dedicates many hours maintaining the finish on the Department’s apparatus. He is also the lead bicycle mechanic ensuring the proper functioning of the bikes used by our Bike Team. Day in and day out, he is a peer mentor to new employees, and spends a tremendous amount of time preparing them for a career in the Fire Service. Firefighter / Paramedic Roldan also volunteers at his church as a youth advisor, and is a volunteer AYSO coach and referee for his community.

Certificate of Appreciation: Bill R. Cuskey
Fire Captain / Paramedic

The Department also recognized Captain Bill R. Cuskey for his dedication by administering the Telestaff program for the “C” Shift. Captain Cuskey has demonstrated an attention to detail that ensures proper performance of the staffing program. He handles the frequent requests for service quickly and professionally. Even when faced with the difficult task of “force hiring” personnel, he handles it in a manner that softens the news for our employees.

Certificate of Appreciation: Gordon K. Arnold
Radio Shop Technician

Radio Shop Technician Gordon K. Arnold was honored for his excellent maintenance of the emergency communication systems in Pasadena fire stations and apparatus.  Arnold has demonstrated an ability to maintain and integrate the old and new systems that must function together. He willingly works after hours and on weekends as needed to ensure emergency operations run smoothly through our communication systems.

Certificate of Appreciation: Kevin L. Robertson
Firefighter

The Fire Department also honored Firefighter Kevin L. Robertson for service to the Department and the community because of the exemplary manner in which he presents the Department’s Public Education Program. Firefighter Robertson has commended for regularly exceeding expectations by delivering the valuable safety information in a professional, enthusiastic, manner. Firefighter Robertson also makes a tremendous effort to ensure that he is well versed in the use of all of the equipment and other materials needed for these presentations.