Daniel W. Schott
Fire Apparatus Engineer
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
4/25/1983
Special Act Award (Gold)
Fire Apparatus Engineer Daniel W. Schott on April 25, 1983, performed an extraordinary act of heroism at great risk to his personal safety and life in rescuing four persons pinned down by rifle fire on Soboba Indian Reservation in Riverside County.
At approximately 8:37 am, Engineer Schott and a crew of four were dispatched to a structure fire on the reservation, where gun fire had been reported. Engineer Schott was instructed to contact law enforcement officials on the reservation before proceeding. Receiving an all clear signal, he drove approximately 200 yards when the fire engine was struck by a bullet near the left front wheel well. Advising his crew to stay low, he turned the engine around. A short distance down the road, Engineer Schott observed a vehicle which had been abandoned by Rescue Squad 25 after having received several shots. Although he had the option of leaving the scene, he chose to stay and rescue the squad personnel. After providing for his crew’s safety, he located three of the members under the disabled vehicle and instructed them to crawl toward him using the engine as a shield. Upon learning that a fourth member of the crew was still in the back of the rescue vehicle, Engineer Schott moved the engine forward to block the rear door of the squad vehicle. Upon safely removing the last crew member, Engineer Schott immediately left the area.