Spring Valley Teen to Be Honored For Saving Man From a Burning Van

Each year, the Burn Institute pays tribute to individuals in the community who have risked their lives in an effort to save another from burn injury or death by fire. Over four decades, more than 600 local heroes, including civilians, fire service and law enforcement professionals have been honored with the highly-coveted award.

Tonight, the organization is proud to honor seven heroes who made a difference in 2012 at the 40th Annual Spirit of Courage Awards Banquet. They include civilian Joe Spencer (Santee), who saved a disabled woman from her burning van; California Highway Patrol Joseph Heightman who rescued a man from a burning vehicle in Escondido; civilians Kevin Calhoun and Gerald Jana, who rescued a six elderly residents from their burning home in Escondido; 17-year old civilian Moses Mullen (Spring Valley), who saved an elderly man from a flaming van; and U.S. Border Patrol Agents Nicholas Coates, Jr., Zirivan Mohammad, Thomas Ward, Charles Oakey and Jason Lacy, who rescued three passengers from their burning vehicle near the Border Patrol checkpoint on Highway 94.     

Here's a little more on Mullen's story:

Last September, Moses Mullen, 17, and his mother were on their way home from MCAS Miramar where he is a staff seargeant with the San Diego Young Marines. After spending the day on active duty, Mullen was looking forward to getting home, changing out of his uniform and relaxing. His mother knew something was up when the normally talkative Mullen suddenly became silent. He was focused on a disabled van on the side of the road.  Black smoke was pouring from the vehicle. Because of his training with the Young Marines, he knew that the color of the smoke meant that the situation was serious. This was more than just a vehicle that had overheated.

Also being honored is Donna Faller of The Office of Homeland Security, who will be awarded the County Fire Chiefs’ Association (SDCFCA) prestigious Maltese Award. In addition, the Burn Institute’s 2012 Community Hero Award will be presented to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, with General Manager, Timothy Fennell accepting. Finally, the organization’s Pamela R. Kelly Volunteer of the Year Award will go to Captain Mark Waters of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

When: Thursday, May 24, 2012
Time: 6 p.m. Reception, 7 p.m. Dinner, 8 p.m. Program
Where: Hyatt Regency La Jolla  at Aventine,  3777 La Jolla Village Drive (Aventine Ballroom)