Officer

California Highway Patrol

10/17/1998

Special Service Award (Silver)

California Highway Patrol Officer Kevin G. Monday and Officer Gilbert L. Osuna, on October 17, 1998, performed an act of heroism at risk to their personal safety when they observed a three-story apartment building on fire and immediately initiated evacuation procedures. Officers Monday and Osuna, without personal protective equipment, were able to rescue seven elderly residents from second and third-floor apartments filled with dense smoke and flames. At approximately 8:15 p.m., Officers Monday and Osuna were on patrol in the City of San Bernardino when they observed a three-story apartment building on fire. Elderly and disabled individuals resided in the building. Officers Monday and Osuna were the first on the scene and immediately initiated evacuation procedures. Officers Monday and Osuna entered the burning building numerous times to evacuate the sleeping residents. These acts placed the officers' lives in danger as they were without personal protective equipment. Fire and rescue personnel arriving on the scene were unable to access the second and third floors due to dense smoke and flames inside the building. Officers Monday and Osuna assisted fire personnel by climbing ladders and rescuing the trapped residents crowded onto the balconies. Officers Monday and Osuna also provided oxygen and first aid to the injured residents. Once the evacuation of all the residents was completed, Officers Monday and Osuna continued to provide service to the displaced residents by assisting them onto a waiting bus which provided transportation to a nearby shelter. Only after all of the residents had been evacuated did the officers seek aid from their own injuries and smoke inhalation. Officers Monday and Osuna risked their lives to save the lives of the residents. It is clear Officers Monday and Osuna unselfishly placed their own safety aside in repeated valiant efforts to rescue the elderly residents of the apartment building. These actions demonstrate their commitment to providing protection and service to the citizens of this state and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the California Highway Patrol.