Police Officer, Firefighters of the Year honored
Photo by Alex Dominguez
DOWNEY - Two Downey firefighters and one Downey police officer were honored Wednesday at the Downey Elks Lodge’s 2nd Annual Police and Fire Recognition Ceremony.
The event took place on the 18th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Flanked by their command staff, peers and several Elks Club members, Captain Kevin Kim and firefighter Scott Wilcox were awarded the Firefighter of the Year award for their actions during a house fire that took place back in June.
While trying to vent the roof of a burning building, a firefighter slipped and started to slide towards the edge of the roof. Kim dove headfirst and was able to catch the firefighter by his breathing apparatus, stopping at the edge of the roof, preventing potentially serious injuries.
Wilcox was then able to pull both men back up the roof and to safety.
Battalion Chief Mike Whittney said that, “the most amazing thing to me was after that happened, they went back to work.”
After accepting the award, Kim said that “I don’t think I did anything special out there.”
“Any of these guys would have done the same thing if they were put in my position,” he added.
Wilcox said “the true heroes are everybody that helps individual people and helps everybody else out.”
“Everybody here are all heroes,” said Wilcox. “Plus, recognizing 9-11, all the police and fire from 9-11, those are the true heroes that we celebrate today.”
Motor Officer Rodger Sy was honored with the Police Officer Year award by Captains Mark McDaniel and Leslie Murray.
McDaniel described Sy as “the epitome of a public servant.”
“He’s out there. He’s a professional. He’s disciplined, courageous, funny, empathetic, compassionate,” said McDaniel. “He’s everything we want in our police officers, and he’s a great role model to all of us. He serves his community with distinction and pride.”
Sy said that he “didn’t know what he did to deserve this.”
“Thank you command staff for recognizing this,” he said. “I want to dedicate the award to all my partners, who are all out here working. I’m learning as I work, and I depend on all of you guys.”