Tag: recognition

BEVERLY HILLS—On September 5, the Beverly Hills Police Department informed Canyon News that the National Real-Time Crime Center Association (NRTCCA) honored Lieutenant Eugene Kim of the Beverly Hills Police Department with the prestigious Real-Time Crime Center Supervisor of the Year Award. This recognition was presented at the NRTCCA Conference on August 28, in Scottsdale, Arizona. The award highlighted Lt. Kim’s outstanding leadership in advancing the Department’s Real-Time Watch Center (RTWC) and positioning BHPD as a real-time crime analysis and response leader.

According to a news release from the BHPD, Lt. Kim was pivotal in developing and integrating cutting-edge technologies that enhance public safety and investigative operations. His commitment to innovation ensured that BHPD is equipped with the most advanced tools for real-time crime monitoring, benefiting the city of Beverly Hills and neighboring agencies. Lt. Kim’s efforts extended beyond local collaborations, with extensive travel across the U.S. and internationally, including serving as a keynote speaker in Warsaw, Poland. His global outreach and technical expertise solidified his position as a thought leader in bridging technology and investigations.

“Lieutenant Kim’s dedication and vision have set new standards for integrating technology in policing, not just in Beverly Hills but across Southern California,” said Chief of Police Mark G. Stainbrook. “This award is a testament to his tireless work and our Department’s commitment to being at the forefront of public safety innovation.”

The RTWC has become a nationwide model for real-time crime centers, under Lt. Kim’s leadership. The center’s success stems from the collaborative efforts of Virtual Patrol Officers (VPOs) monitoring over 2,500 surveillance cameras around the clock, crime analysts who provide critical data to guide patrol strategies, and the innovative Drone First Responder (DFR) program. These integrated components significantly advanced BHPD’s ability to respond to crimes in progress and conduct follow-up investigations.

The BHPD was nominated for the Real-Time Crime Center of the Year and National Real-Time Crime Center Association Member of the Year awards, further solidifying the Department’s reputation as a law enforcement technology and innovation leader.

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Tuesday, August 6, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported that the city of Los Angeles Fire Commission recognized the members who intervened and help to ensure his safety.

In June 2023, a group of three friends were hiking on the Temescal Canyon Trail above the Pacific Palisades coastline. It was a warm, humid day and one hiker felt weak and dizzy, unable to continue walking. His friends called 9-1-1, triggering the dispatch of a hiker rescue response.

Task Force 69 and their paramedic rescue ambulance, RA69, made their way to the canyon while LAFD Air Operations dispatched two helicopters (hoist aircraft and command aircraft).  Engine 69 and RA69 members arrived and utilized necessary equipment and supplies. The topography made radio communications difficult and the Metropolitan Fire Communications (MFC) 9-1-1 call-taker remained on the phone with the hikers and relayed information to the Incident Commander to help the crews locate the group. Engine 69 Captain was experienced in the area and used his expertise to find a better line-of-sight to the command airship to improve their radio communications.

Firefighters were able to locate their patient, a 55-year-old male complaining of dehydration, dizziness, nausea and difficulty walking. Initially reluctant to allow a full medical workup, the firefighters took note of his low blood pressure (80/46), high heart rate (116) and his hot, pale and diaphoretic skin conditions. These are all indicators of a potentially significant heat related medical emergency thus the Firefighter/Paramedics started an IV and administered fluids, along with various cooling measures.

While the patient’s condition improved, crew recommended a hoist operation.

The Incident Commander and helicopter pilots assessed the situation and concurred. After being hoisted, the patient was onboard Fire-1 and a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), that measured electrical activity of the heart, revealed the hiker was experiencing a ST elevation myocardial infarction – he was having a ‘silent heart attack’. He was swiftly transported via air ambulance to an appropriate medical facility.

A silent heart attack, known as a silent myocardial infarction (SMI), accounts for 45 percent of heart attacks.* They are described as “silent” because the symptoms lack the intensity of a classic heart attack, such as extreme chest pain and pressure; stabbing pain in the arm, neck, or jaw; sudden shortness of breath. Instead, one may just feel fatigued or discomfort and attribute it to heat or lack of sleep.

The coordinated efforts of the members from Fire Station 69, the diligent 911 call-taker and the talented Air Operations not only resulted in the successful hoist rescue of a hiker in distress but saved the life of the hiker.

The city of Los Angeles Fire Commission recognized the below members for their dedicated efforts and skillful handling of a patient whose life was in the balance:

-Pilot IV, Rickey Wheeler (retired)

-Pilot I, Scott Keelin

-Captain I/Paramedic, Michael McIndoe

-Firefighter/Paramedic, Jesse Beck

-Firefighter/Paramedic Dominic Marquis

-Firefighter Patrick Mandich

-Firefighter/Dispatcher, Anthony Zermeno

By Trevor