City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: August 5, 2025
From: Robert Sousa, Chief of Police
Department: Police
Submitted by: Brandon Gray, Captain
Subject
Presentation of Life Saving Awards
Recommendation
Present Life Saving Awards to Officer Brittany Gonzalez, Corporal Rafael Landa, and Sergeant Edward Hernandez
Background
It is the policy of the Vernon Police Department (VPD) to recognize and acknowledge exceptional individual or group achievements, performance, heroism and service of its members through commendations and awards. The Life Saving Award is awarded to members of the VPD who have acted courageously and selflessly to save individuals in danger of losing their life. The Award serves to recognize the extraordinary commitment to serving and protecting the community exemplified by Award recipients. The VPD is proud to recognize Officer Brittany Gonzalez, Corporal Rafael Landa, and Sergeant Edward Hernandez for their heroic efforts to save victims of a serious vehicular traffic collision.
On May 17, 2024, at approximately 2:36 a.m., Officer Gonzalez, Corporal Landa, and Sergeant Hernandez responded to a critical-injury traffic collision at 4223 District Boulevard in Vernon.
Upon arrival, they encountered a vehicle lodged upright against the building, a fire in the engine compartment of the vehicle, and four individuals trapped inside calling out for help. Acting without hesitation, Officer Gonzalez, Corporal Landa, and Sergeant Hernandez worked swiftly to rescue the trapped victims.
Officer Gonzalez, aided by two good Samaritans, pulled the driver from the vehicle, carrying him to safety. With the fire spreading into the vehicle’s interior, Officer Gonzalez deployed a fire extinguisher to control the flames.
Working diligently to free those still trapped inside, Corporal Landa successfully rescued two additional passengers. Sergeant Hernandez commendably managed the tense and chaotic scene, and together with good Samaritan Dan Katangian, deployed additional fire extinguishers to contain the flames. Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel arrived shortly after, fully extinguished the fire, and safely extracted the final passenger from the vehicle.
This incident highlights the courage, decisiveness, teamwork and leadership of VPD personnel.
The swift, selfless actions of Officer Gonzalez, Corporal Landa, and Sergeant Hernandez saved the lives of all four vehicle occupants that morning, exemplifying the highest standards of public safety and dedication to community welfare. The Vernon Police Department commends these officers for their exceptional bravery and unwavering commitment to the protection of life and is proud to present them with the Department’s Life Saving Award.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Attachments
None.