KTLA-5’s Ginger Chan helps honor Lakewood heroes

Published on November 27, 2023

Every November, Lakewood honors the brave acts of heroism demonstrated by the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s and Fire departments, as well as good Samaritans and volunteers from Lakewood who protect and serve our community. 

Ginger Chan, from KTLA-5’s morning news and the “On-Air with Ryan Seacrest” KIIS-FM team, hosted the Nov. 7 Award of Valor luncheon at The Centre in Lakewood with over 300 people in attendance.

Forty-five residents and Sheriff’s and Fire personnel were honored by the Lakewood City Council, L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna and L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone. 

• Four L.A. County firefighters from Fire Station 94 in Lakewood who responded to a serious three vehicle collision, with multiple injuries and one victim trapped inside a car and in cardiac arrest. Fighting against time as the trapped victim’s condition deteriorated, the firefighters used their training and skill to quickly but carefully remove her from the vehicle. They successfully stabilized her and got her safely ready for transport to a trauma center hospital for intensive care.
• A security guard from Lakewood’s nighttime Southwest Security patrol who noticed two men walking suspiciously down a Lakewood street late at night. When the guard asked a resident further down the block if he had noticed the men doing anything odd or out of the ordinary, the resident confirmed that he had and suggested the guard look under a nearby van. There, the Southwest Security guard found two hand guns. He called Deputy Sheriffs who responded and took the guns, which were loaded and unregistered, into possession, likely thwarting their later use in a crime.
• A Lakewood resident who quickly reported a man trying to break into his truck in his driveway and posted Ring video of the incident to the Ring social media app, including video of the attempted thief’s getaway vehicle. A Lakewood Deputy Sheriff who regularly monitors Ring social media quickly responded to the neighborhood and saw the get-away vehicle. When he pulled it over, the two men inside had car theft tools inside. One man was even on probation for a previous car theft. Both men were arrested.

In mid-December, look for a special Lakewood Connect eMagazine that will feature video of the full Award of Valor event and short clips of some of the honoree highlights.

If you don't already subscribe to the free emagazine, you can sign up here.

Award of Valor sponsors: 

Gold Sponsors

EDCO

Farmers & Merchants Bank

Golden State Water Company

H & H Nursery

Lakewood Pan American Association

Lakewood Regional Medical Center

Piazza Family McDonalds Restaurants

Water Replenishment District President John Allen