Deputies Save 100-Year-Old Resident Amidst Altadena Fire Chaos
In the early hours of January 8th, as the Eaton fire raged through Altadena, Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies found themselves in a harrowing situation at the MonteCedro senior care community. Despite evacuation orders issued hours prior, the deputies, led by the courageous Deputy Quinn Alkonis, were determined to ensure no one was left behind in the facility.
Amidst the encroaching blaze, Alkonis and her team encountered a 100-year-old woman using a walker who had become disoriented within the building. Her hearing aids uncharged and her breath labored, she pleaded with the deputies, “Don’t lose me.” It was a tense moment captured on the officers’ body-worn cameras, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the situation.
Alkonis and her partner, Deputy Nicholas Martinez, navigated through the smoke-filled hallways, leading the elderly woman and another resident to safety. Their swift action and unwavering commitment undoubtedly saved lives that fateful morning. Reflecting on the rescue, Alkonis expressed both shock and relief, emphasizing the critical importance of their timely intervention.
The chaotic events at the MonteCedro facility shed light on the broader issues surrounding evacuation procedures in Altadena. As investigations revealed, the west side of Altadena received evacuation orders significantly later than the eastern areas, resulting in tragic consequences. With at least 17 lives lost in the fire, questions arose about the timeliness and effectiveness of the evacuation alerts in the region.
Episcopal Communities & Services, the organization overseeing the MonteCedro facility, took swift action to evacuate residents even before the official orders came through. Utilizing a fleet of buses, they managed to relocate nearly 200 individuals to safety, despite encountering unforeseen challenges along the way. CEO James Rothrock acknowledged the gaps in their planning and execution, emphasizing the need for a thorough review and improvements moving forward.
State agencies, including the Department of Social Services, have launched investigations into the events at MonteCedro, seeking to understand the circumstances that led to the two residents being left behind. While the deputies involved in the rescue operation remained focused on their mission, questions lingered about the overall evacuation process and potential oversights that occurred prior to their arrival.
Alkonis and Martinez, both seasoned deputies based in Carson, recounted the intensity of the situation, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of disaster response. Despite the challenges and uncertainties they faced, their dedication to ensuring the safety of all residents never wavered. The aftermath of the fire revealed the lasting impact on the community, with numerous homes destroyed in the surrounding areas.
As Altadena grapples with the aftermath of the Eaton fire, the heroism and resilience displayed by individuals like Deputy Alkonis and Deputy Martinez serve as a reminder of the unwavering commitment of first responders. Their actions in the face of adversity embody the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines their profession, inspiring hope and gratitude in the midst of tragedy. The community, now on the path to recovery, looks towards the future with a renewed sense of unity and resilience, determined to rebuild and heal from the devastation wrought by the flames.