Coming through when needed most

Jose Paul Corona

When 4-year-old Hugo Ruthling was recognized at the 31st annual

Public Safety Awards at the Waterfront Hilton last week, he became

the youngest person to ever receive one of the awards.

Hugo was given the Good Samaritan Award for saving his mother’s

life when he dialed 911. He was also recognized for his calm demeanor

while explaining to the operator what was happening as his mother

suffered a severe asthma attack.

Two other Surf City residents, a firefighter, three police

officers, a lifeguard and a marine safety officer also received

awards during the luncheon that recognized people who committed

outstanding acts of public service.

Father and son Ron and John Jimison were given the Award for

Heroism for their quick actions and attempts to put out a car fire

after two cars collided near their home. The two dialed 911 after the

crash and we’re doing their best to extinguish the flames when police

officer Ray Villescas arrived on the scene.

Villescas was given the Award for Valor after he responded to the

car crash and found the two cars engulfed in flames. Villescas and

the Jimisons all worked together to put out the flames.

Even for a trained professional, Villescas said it was a daunting

to be the only police officer there.

“It was chaotic,” he said. “It just made for a lot to do.”

As he was trying to contain the fire he kept asking himself,

“Where are the firemen at?” he said.

The father and son team didn’t consider their own safety, they

just reacted. Although honored, Ron Jimison said he thought anyone

else would have done the same thing.

“I don’t know anyone that wouldn’t do it,” he said.

Also receiving the Award for Valor was lifeguard Melissa Murphy,

who rescued a teenage swimmer who was caught in a riptide. Murphy

fought strong lateral currents and had to dig her fingers into the

ocean floor to reach the swimmer.”It was a very scary experience,”

she said. “I couldn’t get there fast enough, I just did what I was

taught to do.”

The other two Good Samaritans honored were Chris Rathkey, 14, who

saved his 15-month old cousin who had fallen into a pool and

firefighter Tony Smith who saved a man’s arm, if not his life, with

no paramedic equipment outside the city of Baker while off duty.

Smith witnessed a high-speed roll over, stopped and went to work

without a moment of hesitation.

Police officers Frank Gallant and Steven Wickser received the

Award of Valor for saving two people from a burning apartment after

they responded to an arson in progress call this past January.

Marine Safety Chief Steve Seim, a 30-year veteran, received the

Award for Merit. Seim started with the city as a lifeguard and leaves

the department this December as chief, the highest ranking member in

Marine Safety Operations.