9-09-2023 8:03pm

An LAFD Apparatus Operator Recognized for Efforts in Saving Child from a Fire

Anita Johnson-Brown Editor

Tuesday, September 5, 2023 By Anita Johnson-Brown

LOS ANGELES-The Board of Fire Commissioners of the Los Angeles City Fire Department has recognized Ryan Jensen. Jensen is an Apparatus Operator for the LAFD.

Jensen was honored for his heroic actions in saving the life of a nine-year-old boy during a structure fire in Sun Valley in March 2023.

The incident took place in an apartment building with 211 units located at the 7700 block of N Lankershim Blvd. The first fire company arrived at the scene at 11:46 AM on March 23, 2023, and found heavy smoke emanating from the four-story apartment building. While the Fire Officer reported his findings on the radio and requested additional resources, firefighters started developing hose lines and placing ladders on the building in preparation for entry. Firefighters and paramedics received reports of people injured and located two critical burn patients. A total of six patients were treated, including the two burn victims who were transported to the hospital.

As the fire crews reached the fire, flames began coming out of the third-floor window and were lapping up into the fourth-floor unit. Amidst the chaos and action-packed evacuations, fire attacks, rooftop ventilation, forcible entry, and more, was Apparatus Operator Ryan Jensen. As Light Force 78 arrived and checked in with the incident commander on the radio, A/O Jensen and his crew were assigned the task of establishing additional ladders to the building, which serves to provide additional means of egress from the burning structure.

Jensen saw a nine-year-old boy on a fourth-floor balcony who had been separated from his family, and his escape route was cut off by the flames. Jensen swiftly operated the controls of the 94-foot aerial ladder, extended it to the balcony with precision, and then ascended the ladder himself to rescue the child from the balcony. The boy was reunited with his family shortly after being brought down the aerial ladder.

The LAFD Board of Fire Commissioners recognized A/O Jensen for his bravery and exceptional efforts in saving a citizen of the City of Los Angeles in a statement that read: "In recognition of your bravery, competency, judgment, and heroic courage while performing your duties as an Apparatus Operator on Light Force 78, you saved the life of a nine-year-old boy during an apartment fire on March 23rd, 2023, at 7727 Lankershim Boulevard, in the Sun Valley community of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles City Fire Department commends you for your bravery and exceptional efforts in saving a citizen of the City of Los Angeles."

Ryan Jensen is no stranger to recognition by the Fire Commission. In August 2012, when he was a firefighter, Jensen received a Medal of Merit for his role in rescuing two victims who were dragged from an electrified pool of water following a traffic collision involving a sheared hydrant and wires down. The LAFD is proud to recognize him again, 11 years later, as he continues to exhibit a pattern of selfless service to the people of Los Angeles.