Pasadena Firefighter Armen Hagopian Honored After Courageous Recovery From 2025 Injury

Firefighter Armen Hagopian was honored last week as Firefighter of the Year during the Pasadena American Legion Post 13 Police and Fire Persons of the Year Awards Luncheon, an annual event that honors outstanding service and dedication among local public safety personnel.

The luncheon, hosted by the Pasadena American Legion, is described in the source text as an annual event recognizing outstanding service and dedication among local public safety personnel.

In May 2025, Hagopian was involved in an off-duty motorcycle accident that resulted in a severe spinal cord injury. According to the source text, he has faced his recovery with remarkable courage, supported by his family, colleagues and the Pasadena community.

Hagopian exemplifies “the very best of the fire service—commitment, perseverance, and selfless service to others,” the Pasadena American Legion said.

Hagopian’s path into the fire service began in Southern California, where an early interest in emergency medicine led him to pursue training as an Emergency Medical Responder and EMT. After completing the Verdugo Fire Academy, he gained experience with the Long Beach Fire Department and later served as a Reserve Firefighter with the Vernon Fire Department before joining the Pasadena Fire Department in 2019.

Beyond his field duties, the source notes that Hagopian has volunteered with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Malibu Search and Rescue Division, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House.