ALTADENA, Calif. — Body camera footage released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department captures the rescue of a 100-year-old woman from a senior living facility as the Eaton Fire threatened the area, KABC reported.
Deputies Nicholas Martinez and Quinn Alkonis, unfamiliar with the Altadena neighborhood but deployed as part of a large emergency response, were seen searching the darkened halls of the evacuated facility with flashlights, calling out for any remaining residents. As flames edged closer, the urgency of their search intensified, according to the report.
“Hello? Where are you at?” the deputies shouted before finding the elderly woman approaching them with her walker.
“I’ve been trying to find a way out…" she told them. “Where do I go? Don’t lose me.”
“I promise I won’t,” said the deputy. “No, we won’t lose you. Don’t worry.”
Reassuring her, the deputies quickly guided her to safety. The woman later explained that she hadn’t heard their calls earlier because she is deaf and had been unable to charge her hearing aids, according to the report.
Martinez and Alkonis, who are normally assigned to the Carson station, were praised for their bravery in navigating the unfamiliar and dangerous conditions.
“Their courage and selflessness exemplify the highest standards of law enforcement, and they deserve our deepest respect and gratitude,” said Sheriff Robert Luna.
