.png)
Police officers with SPPD were honored this week for assistance they provided during the recent California wildfires. Mayor Cacciotti explained that in early August, 2017, fire personnel consisting of Captain Daniel Dunn, Engineers Kevin Hill, Anthony Porraz, and Brad Harris responded to a third alarm brush fire in Burbank. It was the first time the engine company was assigned to the heliport supplying helicopters with water. Engineer Mike Larkin’s 14 day deployment to the Orleans Complex Fire (near San Francisco) as a fireline paramedic was the first such deployment of a single resource in South Pasadena Fire Department’s history.
On several occasions South Pasadena officers have been deployed throughout LA County to assist in both natural disasters and civil unrest. The officers train regularly for these types of deployment working with and enhancing the resources from surrounding communities that make up what we call Area C. That includes San Fernando, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park and La Canada Flintridge.
As part of LA County’s mutual aid, South Pasadena Police recently responded to the City of Burbank requests for assistance with property protection from looting and to initiate rescues. The officers were deployed in remote areas along the mountainside that had previously been evacuated due to being in the fire’s path. Patrol officer Ryan Hang was patrolling the fire area, he received a phone call from his family who were evacuated from another location nearby. Officer Hang immediately rushed home to assist his family in their move. After they were safely relocated, Officer Hang returned to duty and continued to patrol in the City of Burbank.
The officers honored with Certificates of Appreciation were Corporal Craig Phillips, Sergeant Matt Ronnie, Sergeant Tony Abdalla, Detective Anthony DuBois, Officer Ryan Hang, Officer Arthur Burgos, Officer Daren Wong, Officer Patrick Zamora and Officer Gilbert Carrillo who responded to the station to fill in for patrol and administrative duties.
The Mayor thanked the officers as well as Fire Chief Riddle and Police Chief Art Miller for the proper training of staff and for their willingness to help serve our region while in need.
