Pictured at the Phoenix Award ceremony Tuesday evening at Council Chambers are, from left, Council Vice Chair Ryn Herrmann, Councilor Melanee Hand, LAFD Deputy Chief Tim Johnson, Level II Communications Specialist Amanda Bucklin (Phoenix Award Recipient), Firefighter Nicholas Lopez (Phoenix Award Recipient), Councilor David Reagor, Driver Engineer Michael Manzanares ) (Phoenix Award Recipient). Capt./Paramedic Chris Rondeau, (Phoenix Award Recipient), Firefighter Jennifer Edmonds (Phoenix Award Recipient), Driver Engineer Paramedic Dustin Rogers, Firefighter Paramedic Brian Thomas, Council Chair Randall Ryti, Councilor Beverly Neal Clinton, ,LAFD EMS Chief Manual Pacheco and Councilor Suzie Havemann. Not pictured are Destiney Montoya and Madison Trivezo-Montoya. In front are Mr. Anthony Montoya (Patient and Survivor) and his wife, Diane. Photo Courtesy LAFD
Diane Montoya reads a letter from her daughters Destiney Montoya and Madison Trivezo-Montoya during the Phoenix Awards ceremony Tuesday evening. Photo Courtesy LAFD
BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com
Los Alamos Fire Department officials were joined by Los Alamos County Council Tuesday evening in Council Chambers to honor a Los Alamos man, Anthony Montoya, who is alive today due to the amazing work of local emergency responders.
LAFD Emergency Medical Services Division Chief Manuel Pacheco. who was the emcee for the ceremony, said it was an honor to be at the Council meeting to recognize an exceptional life-saving event that reflects the very best of public service in Los Alamos County. He was joined by Fire Chief Erik Litzenberg, retiring Fire Chief Wendy Servey, Deputy Chief Tim Johnson, Wildland Chief Van Leimer, Fire Marshal Colorado Cordova, and C Shift Battalion Chief Matt Munoz.
“Tonight, we are presenting the Phoenix Award—one of the most prestigious honors in Emergency Medical Services. This award is presented to emergency responders who successfully resuscitate a patient from cardiac arrest and whose actions result in the patient being discharged from the hospital with no, or minimal, neurological deficit,” Pacheco said. “Named after the mythical Phoenix, the award symbolizes rebirth—a second chance at life. Achieving this outcome is exceptionally rare. Nationally, only about 10 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients survive to hospital discharge, and fewer than 5 percent do so with good neurological outcomes. Success requires immediate recognition, early CPR, rapid defibrillation, advanced life support, and seamless teamwork under immense pressure.”
Pacheco said the incident exemplified a perfectly executed chain of survival”, beginning even before first responders arrived.
“Two family members took immediate heroic action during the critical moments prior to the Los Alamos Fire Department’s arrival. For their courage and prompt actions, Destiney Montoya and Madison Trivezo-Montoya will also be recognized with awards this evening,” he said. “Equally critical was the role of emergency communications. The calm, professional guidance provided during the 911 call ensured lifesaving care began immediately and continued without interruption.”
Pacheco said that joining him in presenting the Phoenix awards was Anthony Montoya, the patient whose life was saved, noting that his presence is “a powerful reminder of the impact of preparation, teamwork, and compassion”. Pacheco then introduced the recipients of the Phoenix award noting that “their professionalism and teamwork made this extraordinary outcome possible.”
Each recipient was presented with a Phoenix Award certificate, along with an LAFD commemorative coin, in recognition of their exceptional service and commitment.
Representing Los Alamos Fire Department Stations 4 and 1, along with our emergency communications team, the Phoenix Award is presented to:
- Captain Paramedic Chris Rondeau
- Driver Engineer Michael Manzanares
- Firefighter Steven Tenorio
- Firefighter Jennifer Edmunds
- Firefighter Nicholas Lopez
- Firefighter Paramedic Adrian Vigil
- Firefighter Paramedic Brian Thomas
- Driver Engineer Paramedic Dustin Rogers
- Level 2 Emergency Communication Specialist Amanda Bucklin
“Because of their actions, a life was not only saved—but preserved with quality
and hope,” Pacheco said.
Mr. Montoya thanked the paramedics who were instrumental in saving his life.
“I do not remember anything. These guys did a good job… The paramedics did CPR a few times without breaking any ribs,” he said.
Montoya was taken to the Los Alamos Medical Center and then took a helicopter ride to Christus St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe. He said there they continued to save his life through five pulmonary embolisms.
“I would also like to thank all this people who prayed for me. This was a big part. God decided that I should live,” he said.
Diane Montoya also thanked everyone involved.
“For one thing, they got there so quickly. I was amazed at how quick the response was,” Mrs. Montoya said. She read a letter from Destiney Montoya and Madison Trivezo sending their support and love.
“We are very glad that you firefighters could make it in time to save our dad’s life. Without you, he wouldn’t be here today,” the letter said.