Fire Captain Specialist/Law Enforcement

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

2/19/2021

Special Act Award (Gold)

On February 19, 2021, at approximately 10:30 a.m., law enforcement received reports of "shots fired" at a gas station in the community of Three Rivers, Tulare County. Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Officers Tom Crass and Ryan Wallace responded to the scene. They spotted a vehicle matching that of the suspected shooter and initiated a traffic stop. Once stopped, the suspect began to shoot at the officers. The officers returned fire as the suspect drove off. Officers Crass and Wallace immediately pursued the suspect. Multiple law enforcement officers also joined in the pursuit. The suspect drove head-on into highway traffic, recklessly shooting at officers. The suspect drove into an orchard, crashing into several trees, before fleeing on foot. While a perimeter was being established, additional shots were heard near the suspect’s crashed vehicle. Both officers discovered a California Highway Patrol officer had been ambushed and shot. Placing themselves between the downed officer, and the suspect a few rows of trees away, a gun fight ensued. Once the suspect became incapacitated and taken into custody, Officers Crass and Wallace began to administer care to the injured CHP officer until transported via helicopter to a trauma center. With no regard for his own safety, Officer Crass went above and beyond the call of duty. The State of California takes great pride in presenting the Gold Medal of Valor to Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Officer Tom Crass.