Bridge collapse rescuers awarded Medal of Valor in Rancho Mirage

The annual Peace Officer and Public Safety Awards Luncheon has recognized and celebrated the work of men and women in the Coachella Valley for 19 years.

Six first responders were honored at the Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage Tuesday for saving Bryon Castor of Desert Center. Castor’s truck plunged into rushing water and trapped him when the I-10 Tex Wash bridge collapsed July 19.

“They absolutely saved my life. These guys were spot on with everything they did,” said Castor.

California Highway Patrol officers and Riverside County firefighters surrendered in the best way possible as they reunited with Castor at the awards luncheon and received their Medal of Valor.

“The heroism they showed out there with the combined effort was just hands down the best in the state,” said Castor.

Chief Meteorologist Patrick Evans helped emcee the event as law enforcement and public safety officers proudly accepted their awards.

“As a fire chief I think about what it’s like when I sleep every night and our firefighters and law enforcement officers are out protecting the public safety. To simply put it, I’m damn proud,” said Cal Fire Chief John Hawkins.

Castor and his wife couldn’t be more thankful.

“Without a doubt I couldn’t miss this. To see these guys get the medal they deserve, you couldn’t keep me from here,” he said.