On the afternoon of May 10, 2007, Karl Von Oesen, a County Fire fire inspector, was conducting an inspection on a property in Landers when he noticed a large plume of smoke coming from a single-family residence. Without hesitation, Karl drove to the scene and notified the County Communications Center, which immediately dispatched additional resources. When he arrived at the burning home, Von Oesen saw a local contractor, Kirk Hightower, inside the smoke-filled house attempting to get the homeowner outside to safety.

Von Oesen immediately entered the house to assist. The homeowner was suffering from burns and smoke inhalation but was frantically trying to find his wife. Despite the smoke, fire and confusion Hightower and Von Oesen managed to get the homeowner outside. Tragically, however, intense smoke and flames kept the men from rescuing the wife. The homeowner was transported by Mercy Air to the Burn Unit of the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.

On March 15, Von Oesen and Hightower each received a Certificate of Recognition from Chief Pat Dennen and Supervisor Dennis Hansberger for their heroism in the face of life-threatening danger.

“It is a great honor and privilege to live and work in a County that has ordinary folks like these, willing at a moment’s notice, without hesitation, to risk their lives for others,” Dennen said during the award ceremony.

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