Transportation Engineering Technician

Department of Transportation

10/6/2022

Special Service Award (Silver)

On October 6, 2022, Caltrans Transportation Engineering Technician Jeffrey Scardine and Maintenance Area Superintendent Cody Collins were performing their duties as instructors at the Caltrans Bank Scaling and Rock-Climbing Course located near Kingvale, California. At approximately 1:00 p.m., they were alerted by the Lead Instructor of an emergency involving student climber, Kevin Lassiter. Faced with an urgent need to reach Mr. Lassiter in a potentially life-threatening condition, Mr. Scardine quickly climbed the slope and assessed the state of Mr. Lassiter. He provided aid and comfort and rapidly constructed a mechanical advantage system to release the climber from the rope and transfer him to Mr. Collins’ rope. Mr. Collins quickly accessed to the top of the slope to construct an independent rescue rope and rappelled to Mr. Lassiter. He transferred him to the rescue rope and safely rappelled them both to the ground while controlling the climbing equipment and keeping Mr. Lassiter in a secure position. Mr. Scardine and Mr. Collins’ actions resulted in the successful and swift rescue of the climber who required immediate emergency medical care. A helicopter was called, and he was subsequently air-lifted to the hospital where he underwent successful treatment. The staff at the hospital credited the fast response time as a major reason why they were able to save Mr. Lassiter. Mr. Scardine is considered the foremost technical expert in the Caltrans climbing program who provides exceptional guidance and mentorship to students and other instructors. The State of California takes great pride in presenting the Silver Medal of Valor to California Department of Transportation Engineering Technician Jeffrey L. Scardine for his act of heroism extending above and beyond the normal call of duty.