goosebumps as the bagpipes play

Many wouldn't ever hear a man's story of coming close to dying trying to save another, especially when it would come from my husband. Many wouldn't brag about saving another's life, especially my husband. Many wouldn't expect an award or recognition for his heroic efforts. Real hero's usually lay low, and don't draw attention to themselves. At the young age of 32 you wouldn't be expecting someone to call you a hero and receive an award. But, all the above is true of Daniel.

Last night we were invited to attend an award ceremony by the Santa Ana Fire Department where Daniel works. We were able to feel the patriotic emotions that come from hearing the bagpipes play while the American flag is presented. We were honored to stand and say the pledge of allegiance and be proud to live in  a free country.

 Many don't know the story and therefore I am going to tell it since you will never hear Daniel talk about it. A few years ago Daniel's station responded to the 911 call of a fire at a complex fully engulfed. Among all of the craziness someone noticed an elderly woman crouched down pressed against a wall trying to avoid the flames. Daniel and two others ran to get a ladder. They tried to pull her over the wall but were unable and because the fire was getting so close and so hot they figured that they would have to wait just a little bit longer until they had water being put on the fire before they could get to her, hoping that she didn't start to burn in the meantime. Daniel decided to straddle the wall and try to pull her up again but was unable to. He then jumped over to the other side of the wall. He was able to lift her up to the other two firemen. Once he had helped her over he wasn't sure that he would have enough strength to get himself back over the wall. (Just his equipment on his back alone weighs an additional 80 lbs.)The fire was extremely close and hot by this time and was starting to burn his turnouts. He said that his family flashed into his mind. To this day he doesn't know how he got the physical strength to get back over the wall enough for the other men to help him. Daniel rode with the woman to the hospital and made sure that she was admitted and care was started. He afterwards checked in with the family to see how she was doing. Because of him, her family was able to see her, hug her, and tell her they loved her. And because of the persistence of those other two men Cody and I were able to see Daniel, hug him and tell him we love him again. All three of these men are true hero's!

 As I said before, we were invited to an awards ceremony where Daniel and those men were given awards for their efforts. Daniel was given the Medal of Valor award which is the highest award given and is the first firemen from Santa Ana Fire Department to achieve this award.

 His Chief told the story and gave the men their awards.

 This is Daniel's Paramedic partner, Levi. These guys are two completely different people but get along better than anyone could imagine. I was able to finally meet his wife last night. Quite an awesome couple.

 Daniel's family was able to be there also.

The night ended with the bagpipes playing once again and getting to meet all of Daniel's Captains and Chiefs who couldn't have nicer things to say about Daniel. Everyone is extremely proud of him and tell me that he's exactly what the Fire Department is all about.

Lately it seems that people and the local newspapers have recently been saying the Firemen and Policemen get paid too much and get to much retirement. Let me just say to those people that these men and women don't sit around all day in lazy boy recliners like you think they do. They are constantly training, educating themselves, and going on medical aid 911 calls. They are exposed to chemical agents and carcinogens that the average person isn't exposed to. They are helping the elderly constantly, helping people in car accidents, helping mentor troubled youth, and so much more that you don't hear of. Please don't let these hero's names be drug through the mud.