Caltrans Equipment Operator II

Department of Transportation

12/26/2021

Special Service Award (Silver)

On the night of December 26, 2021, Caltrans Equipment Operator II Scott Davidson was on storm patrol driving south on Highway 3 in Trinity County through heavy snowfall. Despite limited visibility he noticed tire tracks going over an embankment. Mr. Davidson exited his vehicle to further investigate and located a truck with a young male driver pinned inside. He immediately notified dispatch and proceeded to break the passenger window to gain access to the young man who was freezing and going in and out of consciousness. Mr. Davidson covered him with his own clothes and talked to the young man to keep him alert as he was not sure of the extent of his injuries. A short time later, Caltrans Equipment Operator IIs Jeremy Maraviov and Trevor Gipson arrived on scene to help. The three took turns aiding the young man and providing what clothing they had to keep him warm, while also clearing snow and removing portions of the vehicle to clear a path for emergency personnel. After a period of time, CAL FIRE personnel arrived, and Mr. Davidson suggested they attach a chain from his four-yard vehicle to the crashed vehicle to secure it so that CAL FIRE could safely extract the driver. They then deployed flares while Mr. Maraviov and Mr. Gipson shoveled steps out to help the first responders. They also helped the fire crew with any tools and supplies needed, and once the injured driver was extracted, they assisted the first responders with getting him up the embankment and safely into the ambulance. Due to extremely cold temperatures, remote location and injuries sustained, the young man likely would not have survived had it not been for the attentiveness and selfless actions performed by Mr. Maraviov, Mr. Gipson, and Mr. Davidson. Adding to their selflessness, none of the three reported their heroic acts to their supervisors. A letter to Caltrans management was received from the local CAL FIRE captain, commending them on their valiant efforts. The State of California takes great pride in presenting the Silver Medal of Valor to California Department of Transportation CalTrans Equipment Operator II Jeremy Maraviov for his act of heroism extending above and beyond the normal call of duty.