By Ruth SOWBY

The award ceremonies were marked with truck ladders raised high with the American flag fluttering between them as a greeting to guests at the entrance to the departments’ Oak Street headquarters. Their enthusiasm sparking, dozens of firefighters, their families, friends and city VIPs including Mayor Ardy Kassakhian and city councilmembers, filled the station to support the brave men and women receiving awards on Thursday, Oct. 27.

Mistress of ceremonies was ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor Ellen Leyva. The man of the hour was newly appointed Glendale Fire Chief Timothy Ernst who presented awards to engine units and individuals. The awards were in four categories: letters of appreciation, fire chief commendations, unit citations and distinguished service. Fire Engineer Brian Williams and his fellow firefighters of Engine No. 23 were given a unit citation for responding to a pediatric call. An 11-month-old baby was unconscious from an opiate overdose. Firefighters administered Narcan and took the baby to a nearby hospital.    

Capt. Jess Casilli was recognized for leading his unit in rescuing Bethe Gordon who had been horseback riding and fell into the Los Angeles River. The complicated rescue involved the use of a crane and basket stretcher to hoist Gordon from the river. A video of the rescue was shown. Gordon broke several bones in the fall, including a femur, foot and hand. She was hospitalized for three weeks.

“It wasn’t the horse’s fault,” she said, “and I’m riding again! I can’t thank these guys enough.” 

Gordon and Chief Ernst were crowd favorites as photo after photo was taken.