2024 So. Cal. Hospital Security Officers of the Year

From left to right: Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Officer Liera, Sgt. Matthew Watford, and Officer Noel Baza (far right) receive officer of the year award from IAHSS Southern California Chapter Chair Mark Reed (third from left). Other award winners not pictured are Cpl. Jarret Rodriguez, Officer Andres Perez, Officer Miguel Rodriguez, and Dispatcher Cynthia Cahill.

“On Monday March 18th 2024 at approximately 2312HRS a black Nissan Infiniti exited the 10 freeway at a high rate of speed, striking a pole, bursting into a fireball and colliding with a medical office building. Sgt Watford, Cpl. Rodriguez heard the explosion from the security office. At the same time Officer Perez and Liera witnessed the fireball. All Security Associates listed above grabbed fire extinguishers and ran/drove to the fire location. Upon arrival they immediately deployed multiple fire extinguishers and successfully put out the fire approximately 8 minutes before LACFD arrived on scene. Security Associates then identified two subjects in the vehicle and kept them calm/safe until LACFD arrived at 2232HRS. Simultaneous to their heroic actions, Dispatcher Cahill was coordinating EMS response with CHP and LACFC. Both occupants were extracted and survived despite significant damage to the vehicle and building. This was due to a quick response from PVHMC Security Associates who were able to put out the fire quickly and efficiently. We’d also like to note that there were other Security Associates who were part of a secondary response to help with traffic control. This was truly an “all hands” team effort to save lives. Photos and video of the incident are available upon request.”