Fire Captain

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

12/8/2020

Special Act Award (Gold)

On the morning of December 8, 2020, Fire Captain Robert Rubalcava responded to a house fire in Indio. As the fire intensified, conditions quickly deteriorated and all firefighters were ordered to evacuate the building. During the retreat, there was a partial roof collapse and other fire conditions that separated the firefighters from each other and the hose line. Captain Rubalcava realized that one firefighter was still unaccounted for and made his way to the front of the building to assist in the rescue. Although there were extreme fire conditions, Captain Rubalcava entered the building to find the missing firefighter. Extreme temperatures initially pushed him back outside, but he re-entered the building where he found the missing firefighter in the den. As the fire continued to rage, Captain Rubalcava noted a flashover fire event was just moments away. He shielded the firefighter with his body and personal protective equipment. Captain Rubalcava then dragged the firefighter to the front door where others assisted in reviving the firefighter. The firefighter was transported to a nearby burn center. With no regard for his own safety, Fire Captain Rubalcava 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 Fire Captain Robert Rubalcava.