Luncheon Honors 10 for Devotion to Public Safety : Officers Get Respect From Peers, Civic Leaders

Los Angeles police Officer Herbert J. Williams doesn’t leap over tall buildings or move faster than a speeding bullet, but peers and superiors think he’s a super man, anyway.

In fact, they voted him one of the northwest San Fernando Valley’s outstanding officers for 1985.

Williams was one of 10 area police officers, firefighters and paramedics honored Wednesday at an awards luncheon in Van Nuys.

Sponsored by Los Angeles City Councilman Hal Bernson, the ceremony was attended by about 250 civic leaders, police and fire officials and their spouses. Award recipients at the luncheon in a Van Nuys hotel were chosen from Bernson’s 12th District.

Recipients Chosen by Peers

Unlike the Medal of Valor, awarded by the Police and Fire departments for acts of heroism, Bernson’s awards recognize personal commitment and job performance. Recipients are chosen by peers and supervisors and given certificates and plaques.

For Williams, a large part of this commitment is devoted to bombs. He is one of 11 bomb disposal technicians for the city.

“I enjoy bombs,” he said, “and I like working with explosives. There’s a thrill in it.”

But most other recipients said they got their thrills from rescuing people.

Rescued 8 Teen-Agers

Paramedic Arlyn M. (Shorty) Nine recalled the vivid image of an automobile accident at Sepulveda Dam, when he helped rescue eight teen-agers, all of whom had suffered broken backs and necks.

Nine administered emergency medical care and put the youths on backboards to keep them from moving. All eight recovered without paralysis, Nine said proudly.

Several recipients said they felt most rewarded when people whose lives they had saved came back to say thank you.

A Special Victory

For Marsha Lee Purefoy, a paramedic stationed in Chatsworth, Wednesday’s award represented a special victory.

One of only 30 women paramedics in the city’s 350-person force, Purefoy said she has struggled to gain the acceptance of her male co-workers as well as to prove she has the physical stamina for the job.

Purefoy said she is the first woman paramedic to be honored in Bernson’s program, now in its sixth year.

“It makes you feel good that they have confidence in you,” she said. “That really means a lot.”