On September 29, 2011, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Lieutenant John Banister performed an extraordinary act of heroism by jumping over live arcing power lines and singlehandedly extinguishing a brush fire that threatened an unconscious driver. A female suspect was driving a stolen vehicle and had just led CHP officers in a high speed pursuit when she lost control of her vehicle and struck a power pole. The collision with the power pole caused live power lines to fall down onto the car and onto the ground, which ignited a brush fire. After the collision, two of the occupants riding in the stolen vehicle immediately exited and were taken into custody. The diver however had sustained a severe head wound and lay unconscious inside the vehicle. Lieutenant Banister and other CHP officers first attempted to extinguish the rapidly growing brush fire by deploying the fire extinguisher liquid up and over the downed power lines. However, they were unable to adequately reach the flames and their extinguishers had very little effect. The fire rapidly grew and moved in and around the stolen vehicle and threatened the life of the still unconscious suspect. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Lieutenant Banister, without hesitation, jumped over the live arcing power lines and singlehandedly extinguished the fire, just as it began to burn part of the vehicle. Once crews from Pacific Gas and Electric arrived on scene and deactivated the power lines, Cal Fire personnel extricated the driver and she was subsequently transported to the hospital and treated for her injuries. Lieutenant Banister’s swift actions and exceptional courage saved the life of another. The State of California awarded Lieutenant John Banister the Gold Medal of Valor for his extraordinary act of heroism extending far above and beyond the normal call of duty.