Officer

California Highway Patrol

10/8/2017

Special Act Award (Gold)

On October 8, 2017, at 9:52 p.m., California Highway Patrol Officers Pete Gavitte and Whitney Lowe responded to a rapidly growing fire in the Atlas Peak area of Napa County. Approximately 20 minutes later, their helicopter arrived on scene and observed the smoke-filled air, fallen trees and powerlines across multiple roadways. Trapped residents had little time before the approaching fire would overcome them. Officer Gavitte and Officer Lowe recognized the only escape for these residents would be by helicopter rescue. Despite the firestorm’s wind gusts in excess of 70 miles per hour and extreme downdrafts and updrafts, they made the decision to fly into the heavy smoke and land near the vehicles attempting to exit the area. As they landed, a trapped resident ran to the helicopter and pleaded to the officers to take his son and family members to safety. Although the helicopter only fit four adults at a time, Officers Gavitte and Lowe continuously flew trapped residents to safety. The officers faced grueling and physically demanding conditions for more than six continuous hours as they conducted dangerous flights behind the fire line while smoke, ash, and embers blew around them in complete darkness. Officer Gavitte stated that “the intense windy conditions felt like a hurricane”, but he was able to maintain control of the helicopter. Also, to maximize rescue operations, Officers Gavitte and Lowe utilized hot refueling, which entails fueling the helicopter while the engine is running. This type of refueling elevates the danger, as it requires special training and equipment, and can be disastrous if done incorrectly. Aerial surveillance after the night of the rescues showed the area where the rescue operations were conducted had been completely overrun by the fire. The Atlas Fire burned more than 50,000 acres and destroyed over 400 structures. With no regard to his own safety, Officer Gavitte went above and beyond the call of duty, saving 26 lives and two dogs. The State of California takes great pride in presenting this Gold Medal of Valor to California Highway Patrol Officer Pete Gavitte.