LA/OC IAHSS Recognizes Hospital Security Officers for Saving Lives, Outstanding Performances

Award recipient Michael Masullo of Pacifica Hospital of the Valley.

On March 27, 2018, at approximately 11 AM, Officer Masullo was conducting his daily routine exterior patrol of the hospital. At this time, Officer Masullo observed a male subject walking out of the parking lot and onto oncoming traffic on San Fernando Road.

The subject proceeded to walk further down the road and made his way onto the railroad tracks. It was at this time that Security Supervisor Masullo radioed for his fellow security officers to contact law enforcement for assistance.

However, Officer Masullo was aware of the fact that tragedy may strike at any time, given the fact that the male subject was standing in the middle of the railroad tracks. Officer Masullo’s verbal commands failed to convince the subject to get off the railroad tracks.

A few seconds go by and Officer Masullo hears the sound of a train coming down the tracks full speed. Officer Masullo made a split-second decision to jump into action in order to get this man off the railroad tracks.

Officer Masullo is able to physically restrain the man and assist him off the railroad tracks and away from harm’s way. Officer Masullo proceeds to lie on the man in order to prevent him from getting up and harming himself. By this time, the train has passed by and emergency personnel are on the scene to assist the male subject.