State Park Peace Officer

Department of Parks and Recreation

11/9/2018

Special Act Award (Gold)

On the morning of November 9, 2018, State Park Peace Officer Eldon McBride was called in to respond to the Camp Fire. Officer McBride worked to evacuate hundreds of homes, starting along Pentz Road. By the end, he had helped evacuate more than 300 homes in the Paradise, Magalia and Concow areas. At one of the homes, he helped an elderly woman who was not able to get her vehicle out of her garage because the power was off. Officer McBride was able to enter the locked garage and get the vehicle out in time for her to escape the approaching fire. While rescuing residents, Officer McBride was confronted by scorching flames and downed trees that blocked roads. He continuously found safe routes to prevent the public and himself from being trapped by the fire. Although well aware of the number of lives already lost to the rapidly spreading fire, he tirelessly and bravely went back into harm’s way to do whatever was necessary to save lives. With no regard for his own safety, Officer McBride went above and beyond the call of duty. The State of California takes great pride in presenting the Gold Medal of Valor to California Department of Parks and Recreation State Park Peace Officer Eldon McBride.