Four CAL FIRE personnel from San Luis Obispo County received California’s highest state employee honor for rescuing burn victims and stranded flood victims

By Melissa Chavez
The Tribune

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. — Four Cal Fire employees who work in San Luis Obispo County received the Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor on Friday for acts of heroism during separate rescue incidents.

Battalion Chief Chad Fleming received the Gold Medal of Valor for rescuing a civilian during the Gifford Fire on Aug. 1, 2025, according to the Cal Fire San Luis Obispo County Fire Department.

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The department said Fleming encountered a civilian running along Highway 166 while engulfed in flames and provided aid to the victim, who suffered significant second- and third-degree burns.

Fire Capts. Clint Marsalek, Carlos Pacheco and Andrew Perez also received Gold Medals of Valor as part of a group recognition tied to a Jan. 9, 2023, rescue in Avila Beach.

According to Cal Fire, the firefighters were participating in swift-water rescue training during severe winter storms when they responded to an emergency and rescued eight people from floodwaters.

The Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor is the highest honor awarded to California state employees for acts of extraordinary heroism performed at personal risk, according to Cal Fire.

“These awards reflect the dedication, professionalism and courage displayed by our personnel when confronted with extraordinary circumstances,” Unit Chief John Owens said in a statement.

The firefighters were formally honored during a ceremony Friday in Sacramento.

Owens said the firefighters “exemplify the character and commitment to service that every one of our firefighters strives to demonstrate day in and day out.”

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The department’s transition to Pierce custom chassis pumpers reflects a commitment to firefighter safety, operational efficiency and apparatus built specifically for urban fire service demands