Correctional Lieutenant

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

2/4/2021

Special Service Award (Silver)

On the morning of February 4, 2021, during their commute from Indio to Ironwood State Prison, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Correctional Lieutenant (Lt.) Heriberto Mora and his wife, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Registered Nurse Mayra Mora, came upon a car crash. They pulled over, and as trained first responders, began providing aid to the passengers of the mangled truck resting in a ditch along Interstate 10. The truck’s driver had a head injury that was bleeding profusely, and a little girl was found outside of the truck. Another passenger was also found on the ground near the wrecked vehicle. Registered Nurse Mora took her husband’s sweater and began treating the truck driver’s head wound. She then calmed the young child, who did not appear injured. Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Sergeant John Bradley also stopped to lend aid to the crash victims. Lieutenant Mora noticed a car seat in the vehicle, and with Sergeant Bradley’s assistance, the two broke open the rear passenger window, undid the baby harness, and got the baby out to safety. Meanwhile, Registered Nurse Mora treated the woman on the ground, keeping her stationary to avoid aggravating internal or neck injuries. Together, Lieutenant Heriberto Mora, Registered Nurse Mayra Mora, and Sergeant John Bradley stayed with the victims until firefighters and paramedics arrived. It is worth noting that other prison staff also stopped to help with bottles of water and blankets for the victims. Once the scene was stabilized, the Moras and Sergeant Bradley went off to work. With no regard for his own safety, Correctional Lieutenant Mora went above and beyond the call of duty. The State of California takes great pride in presenting the Silver Medal of Valor to Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Correctional Lieutenant Heriberto Mora.