Division Chief

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

10/26/2003

Special Act Award (Gold)

On October 26, 2003, CDF Chief William R. Clayton performed acts of heroism by risking his own personal safety when he took part in rescuing a civilian from certain death, and then defending the patrons of Valley View Casino from a firestorm. Captain Clayton received a urgent call from the dispatch center that a firestorm was bearing down on the Valley View Casino and that 180-200 patrons were trapped inside. Chief Clayton and retired Sheriff Deputy Larry Natwick proceeded rapidly toward the casino, driving through several fire fronts with no visibility and driving over and under downed and arcing power lines. During this time, Chief Clayton facilitated the rescue of a civilian who was running down the road and about to be overtaken by a 30-foot wall of flames. By the time Captain Clayton arrived at the 45,000 square foot casino it was besieged by a firestorm and a 10,000 gallon propane tank was threatened by direct flames from a double wide trailer that was not totally engulfed. Chief Clayton conducted a scene size-up and directed arriving engines he had ordered to attack positions. Upon entering the casino, Chief Clayton encountered the 180-200 extremely frighten patrons. The casino was filled with smoke and was dark, lit only by emergency lighting. An injured and panic stricken horse, running wild in the casino, had kicked a severely burned man, knocking him to the floor; whereupon he suffered a heart attack. The area surrounding the casino was now totally engulfed in the firestorm, making any escape from the casino impossible. The fire breached the back wall of the casino and chief clayton directed an interior attack by Engine 273, which was successful and prevented the destruction of the casino.