Administrator II

Franchise Tax Board

4/15/2020

Special Service Award (Silver)

On the evening of April 15, 2020, Richard Siemers and his wife Yvette decided to take their dog for a walk to decompress and relax. Just before returning home, a passing driver stopped the couple and told them about a man who had collapsed nearby and was lying against a fence. Mr. Siemers and his wife immediately started in that direction. Upon finding the unresponsive man, the two asked a nearby neighbor to call 911 for help. Mr. Siemers noticed the man did not appear to be breathing. As a long-time cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certified employee, Mr. Siemers wasted no time and began performing CPR. He continued until emergency medical personnel arrived on scene. With the help of medical staff, the man started breathing and regained a pulse before being transported to the hospital. Over the course of the following months, the victim recovered and had necessary heart surgery. Unique to this incident, there was an unknown risk of COVID-19 and any interaction could have meant exposure to the virus. After the event, Mr. Siemers remained quarantined at home for several days. During that time, he did not miss a call or video conference, performing his important role as the Franchise Tax Board’s Health and Safety Officer, always making sure everyone at the Franchise Tax Board is healthy, safe, and well. With no regard for his own safety, Mr. Siemers went above and beyond the call of duty. The State of California takes great pride in presenting this Silver Medal of Valor to Franchise Tax Board Administrator II Richard Siemers.