Firefighter I

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

8/16/2012

Special Service Award (Silver)

On August 16, 2012, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Firefighter I Brian R. Cali was leaving work and en route to Temecula when he came across an accident on Highway 79. A car had gone over the embankment and was resting on its driver’s side with the passenger side skyward. The engine was on fire, the car was quickly filling with smoke, and a bystander told him someone was inside. Firefighter Cali quickly grabbed a log and broke out the passenger side windows, then asked bystanders to help him put the car back on its wheels so he could reach the victim. Once the vehicle was righted, he attempted to open the doors, but they were jammed shut. The flames were now reaching the victim’s legs. Firefighter Cali reached into the burning car, placed his arms around the victim’s torso and attempted to lift him out, but the victim’s legs were tangled in the seat belt. He asked bystanders to throw dirt on the burning engine, knowing he needed more time. With the threat of fire increasing, Firefighter Cali finally lifted the man from the burning car and administered CPR until help arrived. The victim unfortunately succumbed to his injures; however, Firefighter Cali saved him from burning inside the vehicle.