Fire Apparatus Engineer

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

6/19/1970

Special Act Award (Gold)

On June 19, 1970, Fire Apparatus Engineer Gerald Quigley 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 one of the mine owners and his nephew, entered the mine on an exploration trip. The owner was apparently overcome by lack of air and fell unconscious; the younger nephew barely escaped himself. the young man 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. A rescue plan was formulated which eventually included other Division of Forestry personnel, inmates from the Iron Mountain Conservation Camp and volunteers who assisted in the rescue efforts. One volunteer died during the rescue.