In a moment nine years in the making, KHTS FM 98.1/AM 1220 and Los Angeles County Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger helped to reunite County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) Assistant Fire Chief (AFC) Patrick Sprengel, and Fire Fighter Specialist (FFS) Connor Bauman with Donna Fink, a fire survivor who wished to express her appreciation and gratitude for the heroism and bravery of first responders during the 2016 Sand Fire.
Over 3,300 firefighters, along with apparatus on the ground and in the air battled the Sand Fire that burned over 41,000 acres. The Sand Fire tragically took the life of Donna’s long-time partner, but FFS Bauman, then a firefighter paramedic, rescued Donna when he saw her emerge through the smoke as firefighters were trying to save homes in the area.
In the interview with KHTS FM 98.1/AM 1220, FFS Bauman and Donna recounted the harrowing rescue. FFS Bauman scaled a hill and chain-link fence to reach Donna. After rescuing Donna, FFS Bauman and Donna found themselves in front of a locked eight-foot gate that stood between them and the road. After spotting a hole that Donna’s dogs had dug under the fence, FFS Bauman and Donna bellied it out to safety.
Although Donna’s home of 33 years was completely destroyed, the Santa Clarita Disaster Coalition, co-founded by KHTS Radio Owners Carl and Jerri Seratti Goldman, helped her to find housing, paid her rent for six months, and connected her with counseling through the Senior Care and Child Family Center.
In 2017, FFS Bauman received the LACoFD Medal of Valor for saving Donna’s life.
The LACoFD would like to express appreciation to Supervisor Barger and KHTS FM 98.1/AM 1220 for facilitating the reunion and allowing AFC Sprengel and FFS Bauman to share helpful tips on wildfire preparedness with residents. To watch the reunion, please click here.
