Service Clubs:

More than 325 people attended the fourth annual Fire Department Awards Luncheon on Oct. 7 at the Hilton Glendale. The luncheon was held to honor dedicated members of the local Fire Department and students who wrote essays on fire safety.

The luncheon was hosted by the Glendale Sunrise Rotary Club and the Glendale Fire Department. Rotary Club President Jorge Vasquez and Fire Chief Harold Scoggins gave inspirational welcoming speeches. Ellen Leyva, ABC7 Eyewitness News co-anchor, did a wonderful job as master of ceremonies. .

Distinguished Service Awards were given to firefighter/paramedic Brian Murphy, engineer Daniel Encinas and Capt. Ronald Gulli.

Murphy received his award for saving the life of another firefighter who was trapped by an explosion upstairs in a home in Glendale. The other firefighter suffered severe injuries, but his life was saved.

Encinas has taken the lead in providing an uninterrupted power supply to the Communications Center and giving ongoing communication support for all areas of the department.

Gulli coordinated the department’s participation in California’s Urban Search and Rescue Program. Gulli also participated in the development of an emergency response plan for terrorism attacks.

Fire safety is a subject close to the thoughts of many of our local students. A Fire Essay Contest was held at several schools for students to give their thoughts and safety ideas.

The students winning the contest were given awards and special titles for their essays at the luncheon. Mahta Marefat from Glendale Adventist Academy was named junior fire chief. Arden Gonta from Dunsmore Elementary was named junior deputy fire chief, and Savannah Baum from Fremont Elementary was named junior assistant fire chief.

Recognizing outstanding overall service to the community was not forgotten at the luncheon. Betty Porto, the vice president of community and guest relations for Porto’s Bakery, received the Service Above Self Award. Porto has volunteered with many community organizations, including New Horizons For Youth, Glendale Healthy Kids, Arts Advisory Council, city of Glendale Recreation and Parks Department, Career Day at Glendale College and many more.

Scoggins gave an inspirational speech to close the luncheon.

Glendale Sunrise Rotary Club meets at 7 a.m. every Friday at the Hilton Glendale, 100 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale. For more information, call Peggy Riddle at (818) 409-6000.

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