NOT FOUND: TRPD Official Portrait Birch.jpgOn Friday April 9th 2010 at 5:00pm, Twin Rivers Police Officer Dan Birch was on routine patrol when he noticed a large plume of smoke. He drove towards the smoke to investigate and located the source of the smoke and fire at the corner of Marconi Avenue and Connie Drive. The fire was coming from the rear of a tire shop and adjacent residence.
Officer Birch was the first emergency unit on scene and immediately notified dispatch and requested the Fire Department to respond. Officer Birch left the safety of his patrol vehicle and went towards the fire without regard for his own safety. He found that the owner of the tire shop was there attempting to put the fire out with a garden hose and began to assist him. Officer Birch stepped outside briefly to move his patrol vehicle for the incoming fire trucks when he was alerted by the homeowner that someone was on the ground.
Officer Birch returned and found that 72 year old shop owner Manuel Mendoza was on the ground and unresponsive. Officer Birch evaluated him and determined that he was not breathing and had no pulse. Officer Birch immediately started and continued CPR for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until the Sacramento City and Metro Fire Departments arrived and began advanced life support treatment. A pulse was restored before he was transported to a local hospital.
Fire and medical personnel on scene stated that the subject would have had much less of a chance for survival and probably would not have lived had Officer Birch not been there. The Mendoza family is grateful for the quick and brave actions of Officer Birch that saved their beloved family member.
Chief of Police Christopher Breck said, “Your (Officer Birch) outstanding service today is well beyond our expectations. I am honored and humbled to be associated with a hero!” The Twin Rivers Police Department is proud of Officer Birch and he will be recommended for the Police Department’s Life Saving Medal Award.