Four SLO County firefighters were recently awarded the Governor’s Medal of Valor. Pictured from left are: Battalion Chief Keith Tsudama, Medal of Valor winners — Battalion Chief Chad Fleming, Captains Andrew Perez, Carlos Pacheco, and Clint Marsalek, B.C. Terence Liszewski of the Office the State Fire Marshal and a one-time Pismo Fire reservist, and Unit Chief John Owens. Submitted photo
Most folks would agree that firefighters are heroic and now four San Luis Obispo County firefighters have medals to prove it.
Cal Fire announced that four of its members in SLO County recently received the Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor.
It’s “the highest honor bestowed upon California state employees for acts of extraordinary heroism performed at great personal risk,” Cal Fire said in a news release. “The awards recognize actions that go far beyond the normal call of duty and exemplify the highest standards of public service.”
The four firefighters honored were: Capt. Clint Marsalek of Pismo Beach Station; Capt. Carlos Pacheco of Nipomo Station; Capt. Andrew Perez of Shell Beach Station; and Battalion Chief Chad Flemming of Nipomo Station.
B.C. Flemming got his award after rescuing a man who was ablaze during the Gifford Fire on Aug. 1, 2025.
“While assigned to the incident along Highway 166,” the release said, “Fleming rescued a civilian who was running down the highway while engulfed in flames. The victim suffered significant second and third-degree burns. Fleming’s decisive actions provided critical aid during a life-threatening emergency.”
The three fire captains were honored for their efforts to rescue a group of people from flood waters in Avila Beach on Jan. 9, 2023.
“While participating in swift water rescue training during a severe winter storm that impacted San Luis Obispo County,” the announcement said, “the crew responded to an emergency and successfully rescued eight individuals from dangerous floodwaters.”
Unit Chief, John Owens said, “These awards reflect the dedication, professionalism, and courage displayed by our personnel when confronted with extraordinary circumstances.
“While these firefighters are being recognized for specific emergency incidents, they also exemplify the character and commitment to service that every one of our firefighters strives to demonstrate day in and day out, and we are proud of their example.”
The Medal of Valor “recognizes California employees who demonstrate exceptional courage and selflessness while protecting the lives of others.”
The recipients were formally honored during a ceremony in Sacramento on June 12.
Cal Fire is contracted for services with SLO County and serves as the County Fire Department. Also, Cal Fire contracts with several cities in SLO County as well as service districts in Los Osos and Cayucos.
