Firefighter I

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

9/9/1994

Special Service Award (Silver)

When off-duty firefighter Sifuentes’ vehicle broke down on Highway 30 in Highland, he left it and walked to the nearest phone to call home. Before he could speak, he heard the crash of a vehicle collision, hung up the phone and ran to the accident scene. The engine compartment of one of the cars was ablaze and flames were visible from underneath the car. Firefighter Sifuentes saw the driver unconscious inside and yelled for someone to get a fire extinguisher as he attempted to open the passenger door. It wouldn’t budge, so he ran around and opened the driver’s door the flames grew hotter and hotter. Firefighter Sifuentes reached into the smoke-filled vehicle for the victim, but found he couldn’t move him because the seat belt was locked. He found the clasp, released the seat belt and began to pull the victim out the door. Other witnesses to the crash came and helped him carry the elderly man across the street to safety. After he made sure the victim was not experiencing any life-threatening injuries, he returned to the burning car. Someone handed him a fire extinguisher and he attempted to put the fire out until the realized the crowd was dangerously close. He ordered the people back and stopped traffic a safe distance away from the fire. When local firefighters arrived on the scene with proper equipment, the car was fully engulfed in flames. Firefighter Sifuentes continue to help direct traffic until his assistance was no longer needed.