Warden

Department of Fish and Wildlife

9/12/2015

Special Act Award (Gold)

On September 12, 2015, at approximately 3:00 p.m., California Department of Fish and Wildlife Warden Timothy Little was working as a safety patrol in the town of Cobb as he and other first responders scrambled to evacuate or assist residents during the Valley Fire. As the fire began to consume the small town of Cobb, an emergency call went out about an elderly woman trapped in her home and in need of immediate rescue. Hearing radio calls from other rescue personnel saying they were unable to respond because of fire and debris in the roadway, Warden Little immediately headed towards the woman’s home. Driving his patrol vehicle through raging flames and burning road hazards, Warden Little found the house and entered the home where he found an elderly woman trapped with her 11-month old granddaughter. Warden Little rescued both the woman and child, getting them out of their home safely and on the road just minutes before fire incinerated her home. Shortly afterwards, Warden Little learned that another elderly woman was trapped in her house and needed serious medical attention. He also learned that no medical transport crews would be able to make it there in time, so once again Warden Little raced to provide aid. After locating the house, he found the woman trapped on the second floor, unable to walk. Warden Little carried her down a flight of stairs to a waiting vehicle and escorted them to the hospital. Warden Little then continued to assist in other searches.