Highway Maintenance Technician II

Department of Transportation

1/27/1968

Special Act Award (Gold)

On January 27, 1968 on Interstate 5, approximately 30 miles north of Redding, Maintenance Technician Cecil Totherow was performing his regular job duties when he witnessed a vehicle collide with the Slate Creek Bridge and burst into flames. Within seconds of the collision, Mr. Totherow ran over and proceeded to pull the seriously injured male driver, pinned inside, out of the automobile. The car and area were burning fiercely because of spilled gasoline from the damaged car, and, to make matters worse, the car contained several boxes of shells that were exploding. With total disregard for his own safety and placing his life in grave danger, Mr. Totherow’s prompt actions and courage undoubtedly saved the life of the victim.