On February 16, 2012, the IAFF Local 244 honored the crew of AFD Station 21, C for saving the life of Lieutenant Ron Herrera. This was the most emotional Honoring Our Own ceremony to date. Lt. Herrera attended the ceremony with his wife, Martha. We all celebrated his life and the exemplary service performed by his crew.   

On February 10, 2012, Lt. Herrera suffered a heart attack while returning to Station 21 after successful completion of the Pac Test. Firefighter Aaron Sandoval contacted Rescue 21 crew by phone notifying them of the situation which at the time everyone thought was minor. Upon arrival to the station, passed-out suspended by his seatbelt, Lt. Herrera was cared for by his entire crew. Firefighter Sandoval lifted him from Engine 21 and placed him on the bay floor.  Captain Dax Martinez, Lt. Robert LaPrise and Driver Tim Woodard aggressively assessed and managed the situation. Driver Phil Preciado drove the rescue and in the back providing care were Capt. Martinez, Lt. LaPrise, Driver Woodard, and Firefighter Sandoval.  They were able to start an IV and administer the proper drugs improving Lt. Herrera’s condition, his vitals stabilized and he began talking to the crew. They contacted Presbyterian ER from Coors and Paseo to tell them we had one of our own who was having an AMI and to please activate the cath lab.  On arrival to Pres ER, Lt. Herrera went to a room for less than 10 minutes where he met Dr. Allen who is an Interventional Cardiologist and she explained to him the angioplasty procedure before being taken upstairs for the procedure.  There was a huge outpouring of support at the hospital including Union Leadership, Fire Chief and Deputies, Chaplains and field crews from all agencies were assembled consoling Lt. Herrera’s family and standing by for our brother’s recovery. Dr. Allen came out of the cath lab and said the procedure was successful in opening the blocked coronary artery leaving zero damage to his heart. 

This was a moving experience for all involved and a testament to the strength of our love and respect for each other. A special thank you to Brother Chester Fuller for helping us in organizing this event.