California Professional Firefighters

Two CA Firefighters Honored with Medal of Valor

Contra Costa Firefighter Dave Manzeck received the Medal of Valor for a swift water rescue last April.
Contra Costa Fire Engineer/Paramedic Dave Manzeck and Long Beach Firefighter Charles Hakopian, along with 11 law enforcement officers, today were awarded the Medal of Valor, the highest public safety award in the state.

This year's recipients were presented plaques in an awards ceremony, held at the Governor's Council Room at the Capitol. Governor Jerry Brown and Attorney General Kamala D. Harris presented each award on behalf of a grateful California.

"These officers embody bravery and selflessness and we thank them for their courageous acts in the face of tremendous danger," said Governor Jerry Brown. "Their actions set an example for all Californians."

Fire Engineer/Paramedic Dave Manzeck was honored for his dramatic swift water rescue of a 74-year-old woman last April. Walnut Creek resident Janet Hogan was pulled by the swift-moving current and went underwater several times. Manzeck was hoisted down into the choppy water by helicopter and, after several attempts, was able to pull her safely to land. Manzeck suffered a dislocated shoulder and torn ligament in the rescue operation. Hogan attended the Medal of Valor ceremony in support of Manzeck.

"We are all very proud of what Dave did that day," said Contra Costa Firefighters Local 1230 President Vince Wells, who attended the ceremony. "He went above and beyond the call of duty in his rescue and we're glad that he could be honored with the Medal of Valor."

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris presents Long Beach Firefighter Charles Hakopian with the Medal of Valor plaque.
Firefighter Charles Hakopian was recognized for his heroism in locating a 2-year-old child in a burning two-story building last December. While searching for the child inside, part of the floor collapsed and Hakopian caught himself with his arms before falling to the first floor. He continued searching and located the body of the child in a closet. The child was already in respiratory arrest, due to smoke inhalation, but was transported to the hospital. He suffered second degree burns on his legs but has since recovered.

Thirty-eight nominations involving 16 different incidents were received by the Attorney General's Office this year and reviewed by the 11-member Medal of Valor Review Board, which includes CPF Secretary-Treasurer Lew Stone. The board made a recommendation to the Attorney General to honor the 13 public safety officers involved in six separate incidents, who received this year's Medal of Valor.

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