Assistant State Forest Ranger

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

6/19/1970

Special Act Award (Gold)

On June 19, 1970, Assistant State Forest Ranger James D. Dougherty performed and extraordinary act of heroism at great risk to his own personal safety and life by saving the life of an individual trapped inside a century-old mine shaft. Five Division of Forestry employees were awarded the Medal of Valor for their participation in what was described as the “Most difficult and dangerous operation of rescuing an unconscious man.” 130 feet below the surface and 2000 feet from the entrance of the century-old Hazard Mine on Volcano Creek near Foresthill in Placer County, California. The incident occurred when Clifford J. Cox, age 60, one of the mine owners and his nephew, Richard Ward, entered the mine on an exploration trip. Mr. Cox was apparently overcome by lack of air and fell unconscious; the younger Mr. Ward barely escaped himself. Mr. Ward summoned help from the Foresthill Forest Fire Station. Assistant State Forest Rangers Campbell, Dougherty, Fire Apparatus Engineers Hamilton, Quigley and Fire Fighter Mower responded to the call for help.