Menifee firefighter receives Gold Medal of Valor

Menifee firefighter Chad Burns was honored by the City Council this week after being awarded the Governor’s Gold Medal of Valor at a ceremony at Cal Fire’s regional headquarters.

Burns, based at Station 76 on Menifee Road, responded to a confined space rescue in Temecula on March 3, 2020, according to a Cal Fire news release. A victim was yelling for help from inside a storm water runoff pipe. Burns entered the pipe system in an attempt to reach the victim.

Tethered to a rope, Burns crawled 100 feet through an 18-inch pipe, calling upon his training to move through a very small space. During Burns' entry into the pipe, the victim displayed erratic behavior, shouting violent threats to his rescuer. When the rope become detached, Burns had to crawl backward 100 feet before making a second attempt.

Burns volunteered to make the second attempt himself, not wanting his fellow firefighters to experience the difficult conditions he encountered during the first attempt. Unfortunately, the victim retreated further up the pipe system, beyond the 300-foot maximum distance rescue systems are able to handle. The victim was eventually talked out of the storm drain system and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

“With no regard for his own safety, Firefighter II Chad Burns clearly demonstrated bravery and the selflessness to go above and beyond the call of duty. His efforts completely surpassed all expectations of this rescue attempt and put himself at extraordinary risk to save a human life,” said Cal Fire Riverside Unit and Riverside County Fire Chief Bill Weiser.

During the ceremony at the City Council meeting, Mayor Bill Zimmerman applauded Burns’ rescue efforts – a confined space rescue of lengths never made before by a firefighter in a non-training incident.

“Firefighter Chad Burns is a shining example of heroism and dedication to serving others,” said Zimmerman. “We are truly blessed to have someone of his caliber protecting the safety and well-being of our community.”