NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Sworn to serve and protect the people of California, officers with the California Highway Patrol vow to “assist those in peril or distress, and, if necessary, lay down their [my] life rather than swerve from the path of duty.”

The courageous actions of two CHP officers recently captured the attention of the California State Firefighters’ Association (CSFA).

The actions of CHP Officer Brian Henderson, a helicopter pilot out of Northern Division, and Officer Adam Garcia from CHP’s Clear Lake Area office will be honored with an Award of Valor from CSFA. These awards are presented to individuals who place their own life in jeopardy to save that of another.

Officers Henderson and Garcia displayed exceptional judgment and ability to maintain their composure during two separate critical incidents.

“The actions of these two men epitomize bravery and heroism,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “When lives were on the line, including their own, they stayed true to the CHP’s mission of saving lives. Their heroic behavior exemplifies the highest level of service.”

This year's awards ceremony will be held at the Holiday Inn Downtown Plaza, 300 J St., in Sacramento on Saturday, Oct. 5.

The Award of Valor from the CFSA is being bestowed upon the officers based on the following incidents.

On July 5, 2012, Officer Henderson and Officer Tony Stanley were conducting a remote rescue operation of an injured hiker at Big Bear Lake in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Upon exiting the helicopter, Officer Stanley was struck in the head by the helicopter rotor.

Officer Henderson summoned the aid of the injured hiker, Jeremy Kilburn, who was also a U.S. Air Force critical care physician.

Recognizing the gravity of Officer Stanley’s condition, Officer Henderson inspected the blade and deemed the helicopter airworthy, configured it for medical evacuation, and positioned Kilburn and camp counselor, Elizabeth Fitch, on board to provide ongoing medical attention to Officer Stanley during the flight to the hospital.

Officer Henderson demonstrated judgment, swift action, and composure throughout this critical incident that was exemplary.

On Jan. 27, 2013, Dow Walton was driving his pickup truck northbound on State Route 29. The pickup was also occupied by two other passengers, Regina Walton and Andy Hopper.

Walton attempted to pass another vehicle, but slid sideways off the road’s edge and careened end-over-end before landing in a creek bed. Officer Garcia was on patrol a short distance away and responded to the collision.

When Officer Garcia arrived on scene, the engine compartment was just starting to ignite and smolder. Hopper was standing outside of the vehicle; however, the Waltons were still inside.

The engine compartment quickly became fully engulfed in flames and the heat was intense. The driver and passenger doors were jammed shut, which prevented immediate extrication.

Despite the intense heat, Officer Garcia managed to pull both passengers through the driver’s window and drag them to a safe location.

Officer Garcia was treated at the scene by paramedics for smoke inhalation, back strain and exhaustion.

The CSFA officially established its annual Awards of Valor in 1967 to provide recognition for those persons throughout California who, during the annual period of eligibility, distinguished themselves by performing singular acts of heroism.