Fire Apparatus Engineer

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

2/11/1982

Special Act Award (Gold)

On Thursday, February 11, 1982, Fire Apparatus Engineer Joel Semple and Fire Captain Chris Schrowe responded to a water rescue in the rain-swollen Santa Ana River at Norco. On arrival they found two teenagers stranded on a sand bar in the middle of the river. Justin Dean and Jeff Cruisenberry, both 17, were going hunting and had attempted to cross the river in their four-wheel drive vehicle. They abandoned the pick up when the water reached window level. Engineer Semple and Captain Schrowe were able to get a rescue line across the river to the victims and Engineer Semple crossed the river to secure the line. Cruisenberry was able to cross to safety with coaching from Semple and Schrowe. Dean then attempted to cross using the rescue line but, about halfway across, he began to lose hold and could not go any further. Engineer Semple and Captain Schrowe, at considerable risk, were able to make their way to Dean’s location and assist him to safety. Engineer Joel Semple and Fire Captain Chris Schrowe risked their lives to save the two stranded teenagers who, without doubt, would have perished were not for their heroic efforts.