Officer

California Highway Patrol

6/19/2002

Special Act Award (Gold)

California Highway Patrol Officer Aaron Gilliland, on June 19, 2002, performed an act of heroism at risk to his personal safety by rescuing an elderly victim from a burning vehicle resultant of a traffic collision. At approximately 1:40 p.m., Officer Gilliland, was traveling northbound on Interstate 15 approaching Afton Canyon Road, when he witnessed a southbound vehicle pulling a travel trailer overturn. Officer Gilliland notified Barstow Communications Center and responded to the scene. Upon arrival, Officer Gilliland noticed the vehicle was lying on its right side with the front end hanging precariously over an embankment. The vehicle was on fire and the occupants were attempting to escape. Officer Gilliland ran toward the burning vehicle and assisted the driver, Mr. Ortolani, 70 years old, from Bountiful, Utah, to safety. Officer Gilliland then began to assist Mrs. Ortolani, 66 years of age, from the vehicle. The fire had now entered the passenger compartment, and was moving toward Officer Gilliland and Mrs. Ortolani. Officer Gilliland courageously remained next to the vehicle continuing his rescue efforts by reaching into the burning vehicle. With flames scorching his uniform and singeing his hair, Office Gilliland grasped Mrs. Ortolani's trapped leg and was able to free her. Officer Gilliland then put his arms around her torso and pulled her to safety. As Officer Gilliland pulled her from the burning vehicle, their momentum caused them to fall down an embankment. Officer Gilliland came to rest with Mrs. Ortolani landing on top of him. Within seconds of Mrs. Ortolani's rescue, the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. During the rescue, Officer Gilliland suffered smoke inhalation and sustained a broken back. He was transported by ambulance to Barstow Community Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Mrs. Ortolani stated there was no way she would have been able to escape the burning vehicle without Officer Gilliland's help.