Fire Apparatus Engineer-Paramedic

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

4/30/2003

Special Act Award (Gold)

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Fire Captain Timothy Main and Fire Apparatus Engineer-Paramedic James Rajskup, performed an act of heroism at risk to their own personal safety when they entered a burning home upon receiving word from neighbors that a 98-year old woman was trapped inside and after a thorough search throughout the home under extreme dangerous fire conditions. On April 30, 2003, at 10:28 a.m. in the town of San Martin, Santa Clara County, Captain Main entered into the house from the rear door. He moved through the kitchen to the hallway and down the hall to the first bedroom. The search of the third bedroom was limited due to the extension of fire in the room. Captain Main was retreating to the hallway near the kitchen when Paramedic Rajskup entered the kitchen and formulated a plan to search the residence a second time. As the temperature was increasing rapidly and the visibility was decreasing, they again started a right hand search from the kitchen hallway junction. Upon entering the bedroom Captain Main located the victim on the floor under some blankets. He notified Paramedic Rajskup and that the victim was located and being removed to the rear of the building. The victim was treated including Captain Main and Paramedic Rajskup.