Governor Brown’s Executive Secretary Nancy McFadden, CHP Commissioner Joseph Farrow and CHP Officer Steven Lewis
Photo credit: CHP
April 24, 2015 - On Thursday, April 23, 2015, during a ceremony at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento, Mariposa County California Highway Patrol Officer Steven Lewis was one of 52 recipients of the Medal of Valor for their acts of heroism extending far above and beyond the normal call of duty.
Governor Brown’s Executive Secretary Nancy McFadden presented the 52 honorees, from eight state departments, with the Medal of Valor. The award is the highest honor that California bestows on its public servants.
“These individuals put their lives on the line, acting selflessly to protect others.” McFadden said. “They are our modern day heroes.”
“California’s public servants are dedicated to their state,” said CalHR Director Richard Gillihan. “These acts of bravery are not surprising because these individuals have dedicated their careers to helping others. They represent the best in public service.”
The recipients received their Medal of Valor for actions both on and off-duty. Actions include rescuing a driver from a burning car on the side of a busy freeway, saving children from drowning and intervening in a gang-related stabbing.
Since the program began in 1958, more than 500 medals have been awarded. In the public ceremony the Governor awards Gold or Silver medals to State employees who risked their lives to save others or State property.
On March 6, 1959, the first gold Medal of Valor was presented to CHP Officer Robert W. Walker by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Senior. Officer Walker entered a burning house and rescued a two year old boy who was left all alone that night. Officer Walker’s heroic act set the standard for this prestigious award and began a proud legacy. Since 1959, 523 California state employees from 28 departments have received a Medal of Valor.
Award nominations are made by the employee’s department and selected by the Director of CalHR.
CITATION FOR A HEROIC ACT
Performed by
Steven Lewis
Officer
California Highway Patrol
When a vehicle left State Route 140, between Merced and Mariposa, on the afternoon of May 14, 2013, the heroic actions of California Highway Patrol Officer Steven Lewis saved a man from burning to death.
The man’s vehicle traveled down a steep embankment, overturned and caught fire. The driver was ejected, but the surrounding brush quickly ignited.
When Officer Lewis arrived on the scene, he saw the man lying in the grass and grabbed his fire extinguisher. Working his way down the embankment required jumping over flames and running through charred grass and rock. He was able to extinguish the flames on the man, who was still alive and in pain, but not on the vehicle.
When Officer Lewis noticed a portable gasoline container nearby, with brush fire approaching, he took the man by the ankles and pulled him away.
With the assistance of another CHP Officer and a deputy and sergeant from the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, the man was eventually carried up the embankment and taken to a hospital.
Despite the brave actions of Officer Lewis, the man later died.
The 52 State Employees Awarded the Medal of Valor
