The Los Angeles City Fire Commission recognized LAFD Captain Jason Jamal for springing into action, while off duty, to lift a car off of a teenage boy, allowing first-arriving Paramedics to quickly perform life-saving measures.

On August 5, 2022, Los Angeles City Fire Captain Jason Jamal was off duty doing some back-to-school shopping in the City of Camarillo in Ventura County, when a sedan hit a teenage boy who was riding a bicycle through a parking lot, and the vehicle came to rest on top of him. Jamal and an off-duty Ventura County Sheriff rushed to the vehicle and lifted it high enough for first responders to pull him out.

VCFD Firefighters and Paramedics worked together to control the scene and administer life-saving care to the boy whose heart had stopped beating due to the collision. Immediately after freeing him from under the vehicle, CPR was initiated, along with other advanced life support measures. Thankfully, their efforts were successful and because of all who were involved, he is alive today and making continued improvements.

The family wanted to pass on two words of warning, when interviewed by local news. They mentioned that a vehicle stopped for the boys to cross, and what was described as another impatient driver drove around the stopped vehicle and struck the boy. Their words of warning were 1) drivers please exercise patience, and 2) kids to wear helmets.

On November 7, 2023, the LAFD Fire Commission set aside time to recognize the life-saving efforts Captain Jamal gave while off duty. Not only did our local Fire Commission recognize Captain Jamal, but also a Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Julia Brownley, a certificate from Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, and recognition from LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley. We applaud his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty and are proud to call him an LA City Firefighter.