Forestry Foreman I

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

2/25/1969

Special Act Award (Gold)

On February 25, 1969, John C. Sleppy performed and extraordinary act of heroism, at great risk to his own safety and life, in saving the life of another. On the above date, more that thirty persons had taken refuge in the Silverado Fire Station, which was used as an emergency station due to an extremely heavy rainfall and floods in the area. An explosive sound came from the hillside immediately behind the station. Many tons of mud, rocks and trees came off of the hill, flowed through and collapsed the walls of the station, spreading almost the entire length of the building. Fire trucks were pushed through closed doors. Many persons were trapped inside and five lost their lives. In making his way to certain safety, John Sleppy observed a young boy standing between a wall and the onrushing debris. Without regard for his personal safety, he quickly changed his course and pushed the boy to safety. The delay, however, was sufficient for the debris to trap him and inflict upon him several fractures and major internal injuries. It is held to be without doubt that the boy would have been engulfed by the debris, and killed, but for the unselfish and courageous act of John Sleppy.