LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – This past fall another honor was given to a local California Highway Patrol officer who risked his life last January to pull two injured people from a burning pickup.

Officer Adam Garcia traveled to Ontario in November where he received the California Peace Officers Association (CPOA) Award of Valor, according to the CHP's Clear Lake Area office.

The CPOA presents the award to individuals for outstanding acts of daring or bravery.

On Jan. 27, 2013, Officer Garcia came upon a pickup that had gone off of Highway 29 and went into a creek bed.

Trapped inside were Dow Walton and Regina Walton, with a third subject, Andy Hopper, having gotten out of the truck.

The vehicle caught fire and the pickup's doors were jammed shut. Despite the intense heat of the fire, Officer Garcia removed both people through the driver’s window and pulled them to safety. Garcia suffered some minor injuries, including smoke inhalation, back strain and exhaustion.

“All of us at the Clear Lake Area office are extremely proud of the brave and heroic life-saving efforts performed by Officer Garcia. It is wonderful to see the overwhelming support and recognition for his efforts,” said Clear Lake Area Commander Lieutenant Greg Baarts, who also was in attendance at the CPOA ceremony.

The November award was one of many honors Garcia received for his efforts, as Lake County News has reported.

He also was among the honorees at the American Red Cross, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties' 10th annual Real Heroes Breakfast in April.

In July, he received a commendation from the Lake County Board of Supervisors and in October he was presented with a Valor Award by the California State Firefighters’ Association.