The Los Angeles Fire Department celebrated courage, dedication, and extraordinary service on November 5, 2026, as the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation hosted its annual VALOR Awards at Dodger Stadium.

NBC4's Robert Kovacik emceed the 2026 LAFD VALOR Awards. 
Photo credit: Gary Apodaca

Emceed by Robert Kovacik of NBC4 Los Angeles, the evening brought together firefighters, community members, business and civic leaders, and supporters to recognize LAFD members whose actions exemplify service above and beyond the call of duty. Through individual and group awards, the ceremony highlighted the skill, commitment, and willingness to put others first that define the fire service.
 

Held at Dodger Stadium, the annual celebration also provided an opportunity for guests to connect with LAFD members, explore department apparatus, and see demonstrations showcasing the capabilities firefighters rely on to protect Los Angeles and its citizens.

Department personnel, community members, LAFD Foundation staff, and sponsors lined the infield at Dodger Stadium for the 2026 VALOR Awards. 
Photo credit: Gary Apodaca

Medal of Merit

The Medal of Merit was presented to Firefighter Max Lapides and Captain II Andrew Schmad for their actions during a hotel fire. As their crew approached the scene, a man with burned hair and clothing urgently reported that his wife and two children were trapped inside. Despite heavy smoke, fire conditions, and the absence of an established hose line, the firefighters entered the compromised building to search for the family. Working through near-zero visibility, they located and rescued the mother and her two daughters through a window. All three were suffering from smoke inhalation and were transported for medical care. Their willingness to act immediately, despite the danger, prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.

Fire Chief Jaime Moore congratulates Schmad and Lapides. 
Photo credit: Gary Apodaca

Special Commendations

Three incidents involving extraordinary actions in moments of crisis were recognized with Letters of Special Commendation:

Apparatus Operator Alex Barcelona was recognized for his actions following an early-morning collision at Normandie and Slauson. While driving to work, Barcelona came upon a two-car accident and immediately stopped to assist. After discovering one person had died, he found a woman trapped in another vehicle, barely breathing and with a weak pulse. When the vehicle's engine compartment caught fire, he worked urgently to free her legs from beneath the dashboard. With assistance from an arriving LAFD engine company, he helped pull her from the vehicle and immediately began CPR when she stopped breathing. His decision to intervene before even arriving for his shift helped save her life.

Fire Chief Jaime Moore with Apparatus Operator Barcelona. 
Photo credit: Gary Apodaca

Firefighter Kyle Ford was recognized for intervening during a mental health crisis in which a woman twice attempted to jump from a balcony. Recognizing the immediate danger, Ford ran down a hallway and pulled her back from the balcony. When she made a second attempt, he intervened again, keeping her from falling until additional firefighters arrived to help. His quick response and persistence helped bring the woman to safety and ensure she received medical care.

Fire Chief Jaime Moore and Firefighter Kyle Ford. 
Photo credit: Gary Apodaca

Captains Daniel Gutierrez and Enrique Duque were jointly recognized for saving Stephen Ford's life while attending a community event in Big Bear. During a gathering at Duque's annual car show in October 2025, the two captains noticed a man had collapsed and was in cardiac arrest. Without medical equipment or an automated external defibrillator available, they immediately began CPR, coordinated the emergency response, and continued resuscitation efforts for approximately 12 minutes until emergency crews arrived. After two defibrillation shocks, the man regained consciousness. The following day, the captains received a photograph of Stephen, who was awake and recovering in the hospital.

Chief Moore, Stephen Ford, and Captains Gutierrez and Duque. 
Photo credit: Gary Apodaca

Unit of the Year

The Unit of the Year award recognized the LAFD's Joint Hazard Assessment Team (JHAT), a specialized unit bringing together fire department personnel, law enforcement, and environmental protection agencies to address incidents involving hazardous materials, chemicals, and weapons of mass destruction.

The team's work combines specialized expertise, advanced technology, and interagency coordination to protect both emergency responders and the public. Among the incidents highlighted were a cargo ship fire involving lithium-ion batteries, where drone technology helped assess potentially hazardous conditions without unnecessarily exposing firefighters, and a fire in the 110 Freeway tunnel, where a robotic device, known as "Rosie," gathered critical information about structural integrity, fire conditions, and atmospheric hazards. The team's specialized monitoring equipment and technical expertise also played an important role during the Lineage fire. Across these incidents, JHAT's work helped incident commanders make informed decisions while reducing risks to firefighters and surrounding communities.

JHAT captains accept the Unit of the Year award. 
Photo credit: Gary Apodaca

Community Impact Award

The Community Impact Award was presented to the Los Angeles Rams in recognition of the organization's longstanding commitment to Los Angeles and its first responders. Beyond their role in bringing the community together through football, the Rams have developed meaningful connections with the LAFD, including inviting rookie players to train alongside firefighters and hosting NFL Draft activities at LAFD Air Operations. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to community service and a recognition of the people who work every day to protect the city.

The Los Angeles Rams accepted the Community Impact Award. 
Photo credit: Gary Apodaca

Corporate Impact Award

The Corporate Impact Award recognized Motorola Solutions Foundation for its more than 15-year partnership with the LAFD Foundation. Since 2011, the foundation has contributed more than $1 million to support LAFD firefighters and programs serving the Los Angeles community. Its funding has helped advance firefighter wellness, specialized training, youth programs, and behavioral health initiatives, while also supporting the annual VALOR Awards. The partnership has provided resources that help address critical needs beyond what municipal funding alone can cover, strengthening the department's ability to serve its members and the public.

Motorola received the Corporate Impact Award. 
Photo credit: Gary Apodaca

The men and women of the LAFD are grateful to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation for its unwavering support of our members and our mission. Through fundraising, equipment programs, and community partnerships, the LAFD Foundation provides resources that strengthen our operational capabilities, support firefighter wellness and professional development, and help meet needs beyond what City funding alone can provide. The VALOR Awards are a reflection of that unwavering support, and we are grateful for all that the Foundation makes possible.

Congratulations to all of the 2026 VALOR Award honorees.

Crossed aerials and an American flag frame the LA skyline behind Dodger Stadium as the sun drops low on the horizon. 
Photo credit: Gary Apodaca

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