On Tuesday, Sept. 22 at the Los Alamos County Council meeting in White Rock, Los Alamos Fire Department had the honor of presenting the Phoenix Award to LAFD and Emergency Communications personnel whose lifesaving response helped a community member, Alexei Skurikhan, survive cardiac arrest and return home to his family. Mr. Skurikhan and his wife, Svetlana were present at the cefemony. God bless our firefighters. Courtesy photo
Firefighters who received the Phoenix Award Sept. 22 greet the man whose life they saved. Courtesy photo
A very moving scene at the Sept. 22 Phoenix Award Ceremony in White Rick. Courtesy photo
BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com
Los Alamos Fire Department and County Council honored another group of Phoenix Award recipients during Tuesday’s Council workshop in White Rock.
EMS Chief Manuel Pacheco began the presentation by saying it is a privilege to recognize an extraordinary example of teamwork, professionalism, and dedication that resulted in a remarkable, life-saving outcome for a member of the community. Chief Pacheco was joined by Fire Chief Erik Litzenberg, Wildland Chief Van Leimer, Fire Marshal Colorado Cordova, A Shift Acting Battalion Chief Larry Roybal, and EMS Captain Kevin Kamplain.
The Phoenix Award regognizes emergency responders whose coordinated efforts result in
the successful resuscitation of a patient in cardiac arrest who is ultimately discharged from
the hospital with little to no neurological impairment.
“The meaning behind this award is especially important. The Phoenix has long symbolized renewal, rebirth, and new life. That makes it a fitting symbol for an individual who has experienced cardiac arrest, been successfully resuscitated, and is given the opportunity to return home and continue living their life,” Chief Pacheco said.
He said cardiac arrest is one of the most challenging emergencies faced in public safety, because despite advances in medicine and resuscitation science, survival remains relatively uncommon. According to the American Heart Association’s most recent data, approximately 10 % of adults who experience an EMS-treated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survive to hospital discharge. Even more significantly, only about 8% survive with a favorable neurological outcome.
“In other words, the outcome we are recognizing tonight is not simply a successful medical
call. It is an extraordinary outcome. And that outcome depends on every link in the Chain of Survival working together. It begins with someone recognizing that something is wrong. It requires someone to call 911. It requires immediate CPR. It requires early defibrillation when indicated. It requires a dispatcher providing calm, clear instructions. It requires firefighters and paramedics arriving quickly and providing high-quality advanced life support. And it requires continued expert care at the hospital. Every one of those links matters,” Chief Pacheco said.
The July 6, 2026 incident being recognized Tuesday evening is a perfect example of those are principles in action, Pacheco said, adding that before emergency crews even arrived, members of the Los Alamos National Laboratory staff immediately recognized the medical emergency, activated the 911 system and began lifesaving care.
“Equally important was the role of our Emergency Communications professionals. The calm guidance, reassurance, and medical instructions provided by our 911 dispatchers helped ensure that lifesaving care continued uninterrupted until firefighters and paramedics arrived on scene,” Chief Pacheco said. ” What makes tonight’s recognition especially meaningful is that we are joined by the individual whose life was saved, Alexei Skurikham, and his wife Svetlana.”
Chief Pacheco said Mr. Skurikhan’s presence at the award ceremony was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when prepared citizens, skilled dispatchers, firefighters, paramedics, and hospital professionals work together toward a common goal.
“It reminds us that behind every emergency response is a person, a family, and a future that can be forever changed.Tonight, we are not simply recognizing a successful medical response.We are recognizing a group of people who, through preparation, training, teamwork, and decisive action, gave someone the opportunity to continue living his life and return home to his family. That is what the Phoenix Award represents,” he said.
Chief Pacheco noted that was his privilege to recognize the recipients of the Phoenix Award in appreciation of their exceptional service. Each recipient was presented with a Phoenix Award
certificate and a LAFD commemorative challenge coin:
Captain Keith Henry
Driver Engineer Paramedic Keith Garcia
Driver Engineer Paramedic Michael Crockett
Firefighter David Baca
Firefighter Paramedic Cory Miller
Firefighter Carlos Duran
Firefighter Jesse Griego
Firefighter Austin Torrey
Emergency Communications Specialist Stephanie Conrad
Emergency Communications Specialist DeeAnn Cruz
“To each of you, thank you. Through your skill, decisive actions, and unwavering commitment to serving others, you gave a member of our community the greatest gift possible—the opportunity to returnhome to his family and continue living a full life. On behalf of the Los Alamos Fire Department, thank you to the Los Alamos County Council for your continued investment in public safety and for providing us the opportunity to recognize these outstanding professionals this evening,” Chief Pacheco said. “And, Mr. Alexei Skurikhan, thank you for allowing us to share this moment with you. It is an honor tohave you here with us tonight.”
Firefighters receive their Phoenix Awards during the Sept. 22 Los Alamos County Council meeting. Courtesy photo