Fire Captain Specialist

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

7/25/2010

Special Service Award (Silver)

On July 25th, 2010, CAL FIRE employee Rhett Imperiale was on fire prevention patrol on Highway 96 near the town of Willow Creek, when he noticed fresh skid marks on the turnout. Not seeing a vehicle, he contacted other patrol units for information on past accidents in the area. With no known past accidents, Rhett was concerned there might be a car out of sight over the edge. US Forest Service Officer Bob Phillips responded and the two descended the treacherous slope. They located a vehicle with two seriously injured victims approximately 200 feet below the roadway. The vehicle was upside down on the steep slope, leaking fuel and had one victim still trapped inside. Together they removed the victim from the vehicle, moved both victims to a safe place away from the fuel, and administered first aid until additional help arrived. CAL FIRE employees Kurt McCray, Len Nielson, and Mark Rodgers arrived on scene and scaled down the steep rocky slope to provide assistance. With the help of personnel from other law enforcement and fire agencies, it took approximately two hours to secure the victims, move them up to the highway, and transport them to medical care. The rescue was extremely hazardous due to the steepness of the slope, falling rocks, leaking fuel, and high air temperatures. Rescue personnel had to deflect numerous rocks with their hands and arms to protect the victims and other rescue personnel. The rescue team’s actions, without regard for their own safety, saved these two accident victims. The State of California takes great pride in presenting Mark Rodgers, Rhett Imperiale, Kurt McCray, and Len Nielson, these Silver Medals of Valor for their extraordinary acts of heroism extending far above and beyond the normal call or duty or service.