DACC Animal Control Officers First Responders to Vehicle Collision
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On April 1, 2021 DACC’s Animal Control Officers from the Public Safety Division Major Case Unit (MCU) were the first responders to a single vehicle collision and car fire that was threatening a nearby home. Sgt. Rachel Montez-Kemp, Cpl. Bethany Estes, and Cpl. Edward Callaway were returning from a court hearing in Santa Clarita when they came across the car fire at 41900 N 60th Street West in Palmdale. With no fire or sheriff personnel on scene, they stopped to provide immediate assistance. Cpl. Callaway extinguished the flames with the fire extinguisher carried on the animal control truck and prevented the flames from proceeding to the nearby home and surrounding vegetation. Inside the car was a trapped occupant that was later pronounced deceased. Cpl. Callaway also shut off the water main to the threatened property because the water pipes damaged from the collision were spreading gasoline from the car fire. When Los Angeles County Fire, Sheriff, and CHP arrived on scene, Ofc. Callaway and Sgt. Montez-Kemp began to assist first responders in moving debris from around the vehicle so the occupant could be freed. Cpl. Estes assisted with traffic control and the concerned citizens that gathered. County first responders expressed gratitude to DACC personnel for taking action that prevented the spread of the fire to the house and vegetation. “Our officers quick response demonstrated their ongoing commitment to public safety,” said Marcia Mayeda, DACC Director. “We are very proud of our officers’ dedication to ensuring a safe community for all residents.” Ofc. Calloway remarked, “It was quite a great feeling to be able to assist when a car is on fire with a person trapped inside and you’re the only one in sight”. Ofc. Callaway has been with DACC since 2007. Sgt. Montez-Kemp and Cpl. Estes are Certified Animal Control Officers.
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