Division Chief, Retired

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

12/14/2015

Special Act Award (Gold)

On December 14, 2015, at 2:50 p.m., retired Division Chief Steven Gallegos was at Puerto Rico’s Playa Mar Chiquita relaxing with his family and celebrating his birthday. The beach surrounds a small semicircular cove with a small opening to the sea. The surf that day was significant, with strong currents and waves crashing through the opening in the rocks, precluding swimming or snorkeling, even in the sheltered bay. Mr. Gallegos, along with his son-in-law, observed a small of group of people taking photos atop a rocky peninsula near the mouth of the small cove. Within a few moments, two exceptionally large waves struck the rocks in succession, knocking three of the four individuals into the water. Both men immediately went into action. With three victims, two women and a man, struggling in dangerous sea conditions, Mr. Gallegos’ son-in-law entered the water and was able to reach one of the women. Mr. Gallegos obtained a boogie board to throw to his son-in-law, but the wind caught the board and it landed away from the pair. Upon noticing the severe distress of the other woman, Mr. Gallegos realized he would be her only chance to survive. He jumped into the water and was immediately struck by a large swell that threw him against the rocks and pushed him underwater. Once he recovered, he swam to retrieve the board and met up with his son-in-law and the first woman. Mr. Gallegos remained with the first woman while his son-in-law retrieved the other, who was barely coherent. Mr. Gallegos kept both victims afloat with the board while his son-in-law retrieved a life ring, which was thrown to the endangered man. They all remained in the water for an extensive amount of time, until a Coast Guard helicopter and police department boat were able to reach the group. The two women were airlifted to the hospital. Mr. Gallegos, his son-in-law, and the male victim were safely brought on board the police boat. All three victims made full recoveries.