The County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) celebrated Department honorees at the 2026 Valor and Exemplary Service Awards Ceremony on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Held at the Mayne Events Center and Los Angeles County Fire Museum in the City of Bellflower, this ceremony honors outstanding LACoFD sworn and professional personnel, and public-safety partners who have demonstrated exceptional acts of bravery and courage.
Over 180 guests attended this year as LACoFD Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone presented the Exemplary Service, Emergency Medical Services, Unit Citation, Certificate of Valor, and the prestigious Medal of Valor awards as ABC7 reporter, Josh Haskell, emceed the event, recounting the heroic stories of each honoree.
For his decisive action, bravery, and willingness to risk his own life under extreme and unprecedented wildfire conditions, Fire Captain Malcom Dicks was awarded the prestigious Medal of Valor Award.
On the evening of January 7, 2025, during the Palisades Fire, Patty Phillips and her dog Koda became trapped when her vehicle was stuck on a dirt road amid heavy smoke and advancing flames. Unable to escape safely, Patty called for help while her husband, James, sought assistance and found Fire Captain Malcolm Dicks.
Without hesitation, Captain Dicks drove with James back into the hazardous area, navigating through dense smoke, fire, and downed power lines until he located the vehicle by its hazard lights. As conditions worsened, he quickly rescued Patty and Koda and brought them to safety.
Congratulations to each of this year’s Valor and Exemplary Service Awards honorees. The LACoFD is proud to have dedicated individuals who uphold the Department’s mission and core values.
