Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
At 8:40AM on October 8, 2024 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported overdose at 441 E Bauchet Street.
Firefighters arrived to find multiple patients and immediately upgraded the incident to a "Multi-Casualty Incident" (MCI), triggering additional resources. Firefighter/Paramedics located an adult male patient in critical condition and initiated Advanced Life-Saving care. Despite their dedicated efforts and the assistance of the LAFD Advanced Provider (nurse practitioner), the patient was beyond medical help and determined dead.
Meanwhile, additional crews quickly determined the exact number and condition of all patients. The patients were isolated and assessed, fortunately, none were in medical distress. Due to the presence of an unknown white substance on the patient's clothing, the LAFD Hazardous Materials Squad responded to perform a full decontamination to ensure all were safe to transport. Firefighters in full personal protective equipment (PPE) assisted in removing the patient's outer clothing and provided them a clean Tyvex suit to wear after decontamination. The LAFD then transported six patients to the hospital. One patient who initially declined any LAFD treatment was later transported to the hospital by the Sheriff's Department.
LAFD worked with the LA County Sheriff's Department to safely test and identify the substance for their investigation.
A final decon was performed on all exposed firefighters and deputies. Shortly before noon, command of the incident transferred to the Sheriff's office for their continuing investigation.
The LA County Medical Examiner will conduct the autopsy to determine cause of death.
At 8:40AM on October 8, 2024 the Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a reported overdose at 441 E Bauchet Street.
Firefighters arrived to find multiple patients and immediately upgraded the incident to a "Multi-Casualty Incident" (MCI), triggering additional resources. Firefighter/Paramedics located an adult male patient in critical condition and initiated Advanced Life-Saving care. Despite their dedicated efforts and the assistance of the LAFD Advanced Provider (nurse practitioner), the patient was beyond medical help and determined dead.
Meanwhile, additional crews quickly determined the exact number and condition of all patients. The patients were isolated and assessed, fortunately, none were in medical distress. Due to the presence of an unknown white substance on the patient's clothing, the LAFD Hazardous Materials Squad responded to perform a full decontamination to ensure all were safe to transport. Firefighters in full personal protective equipment (PPE) assisted in removing the patient's outer clothing and provided them a clean Tyvex suit to wear after decontamination. The LAFD then transported six patients to the hospital. One patient who initially declined any LAFD treatment was later transported to the hospital by the Sheriff's Department.
LAFD worked with the LA County Sheriff's Department to safely test and identify the substance for their investigation.
A final decon was performed on all exposed firefighters and deputies. Shortly before noon, command of the incident transferred to the Sheriff's office for their continuing investigation.
The LA County Medical Examiner will conduct the autopsy to determine cause of death.
![LAFD Foundation Valor Awards 2025 - Captain I Daniel Lievense, Engineer Matthew Lievense
[Video credit: LAFD Foundation / Valor Awards 2025]
Under the lights of Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation hosted its annual VALOR Awards on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, bringing together city leaders, corporate partners, and community members to recognize firefighters for their courage and service.
The 2025 ceremony opened with a VIP reception, giving guests the rare opportunity to meet LAFD personnel, view firefighting apparatus up close, and watch exclusive demonstrations highlighting the department’s life-saving capabilities. As the sun set over Chavez Ravine, attendees took their seats on the infield for dinner and the start of the evening’s formal program.
VALOR is the Foundation’s signature event, an annual tradition honoring men and women whose decisive actions, expert training, and selfless commitment have protected lives across and beyond Los Angeles. This year’s honorees were celebrated through a series of video presentations and personal stories, each underscoring the weight of the split-second decisions firefighters make on the city’s toughest days.
2025 Honorees
Medal of Merit:
Captain I Daniel Lievense
Engineer Matthew Lievense
Captain I Christopher Sebourn
Special Commendation:
Firefighter III Armen Chalian
Firefighter III Joseph Coleman
Firefighter III Kari Field
Firefighter III Darren Lloyd
Firefighter III Daniel Nakamura
Engineer David Roberts
Firefighter III Andrew Talley
Unit of the Year:
Critical Incident Planning & Training Section (CIPTS)
The annual VALOR Awards celebrate not only the heroism of individual firefighters, but also the vital role of the LAFD Foundation in empowering them, ensuring that our city’s first responders have the tools, technology, and support necessary to protect our city’s four million residents. LAFD Foundation Valor Awards 2025 - Captain I Daniel Lievense, Engineer Matthew Lievense](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7zkOAEV4uZ8/mqdefault.jpg)









