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 Sabrina Buis was called in to respond to the Camp Fire. She worked with State Park Peace Officer Supervisor Sergeant Travis Gee and together they helped evacuate hundreds of people who remained in burned-over areas in the Town of Paradise. While helping rescue and evacuate people, Officer Buis and Sergeant Gee came across flames and downed trees that blocked roadways, forcing them to find alternative routes to prevent the evacuees from being trapped by the swift-moving fire. At one point, they worked with a CalFire captain to cut down power lines and clear debris along Clark Road to rescue evacuees who were surrounded by fire. They were aware of the large number of lives that had already been lost and yet, bravely and tirelessly, put themselves in harm’s way to save others. Officer Buis was a new officer with California State Parks and was only a few months out of her field training program. Despite her rookie status, Officer Buis responded and handled herself like a seasoned professional that day. Together with Sergeant Gee, she remained alert and committed to rescuing and helping countless people in the community. With no regard for her own safety, Officer Buis 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 Sabrina Buis.