California has honored five Caltrans employees with the Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor for their extraordinary acts of heroism. This prestigious award recognizes public servants who go beyond the call of duty, often at great personal risk.
Caltrans Acting Director Mike Keever expressed pride in the recipients, emphasizing their selfless actions in life-saving situations.
The following individuals received the Silver Medal of Valor:
- John Bedolla and Isai Camino, both from District 8, were recognized for their courageous rescue of a mother and child from an overturned vehicle on Interstate 15 on January 7, 2024.
- Vernon Ladd, a retired District 6 employee, and Jarett Walter Lopez, a District 6 Equipment Operator, were honored for their heroic efforts in helping children escape a damaged school bus after a collision with a fuel truck on State Route 41 in Fresno on May 13, 2014.
- Jerry Prado, District 7 Maintenance Area Superintendent, was acknowledged for intervening in a suicide attempt and providing crucial support to a community member in crisis on March 13, 2024.
