California corrections dept. honoring heroes who go above the call of duty

GALT, Calif. -The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is celebrating its heroes with awards at the 39th Medal of Valor ceremony.

Friday morning in Galt, California, 16 employees throughout the state received an award from the CDCR for their heroic displays of bravery. According to the CDCR, these employees distinguished themselves at a caliber beyond the normal demands of correctional service.

Correctional Sergeant Charles Davis of Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent City received the highest honor for saving a disabled child from a burning house.

I feel like it’s life-changing because I have a family myself, I have kids. I always worry what would happen to them when I’m not at work, what if my house catches fire, what if someone happens to them. I would want someone to be there to help them.

Along with Sergeant Davis, Senior Laboratory Assistant Thomas Coyle also received the Medal of Valor. Coyle demonstrated exceptional courage when he saved two victims from a four vehicle car accident in Sacramento County.

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NBC5 News at Sunrise Co-Anchor and Reporter Natalie Sirna grew up in Glendora, CA and attended the University of La Verne. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in English, and served as Editor-in-Chief of La Verne Magazine. Her experience as an editor piqued her interest in broadcast journalism. When she's not reading or writing, Natalie enjoys oil painting and playing her electric guitar. Learn more about Natalie in this report: https://kobi5.com/news/sunrise/whos-who-on-nbc5-news-natalie-sirna-233076/
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