Daly City Police Department’s 23-year veteran Officer Norman Palaby received a Medal of Valor, the department’s most prestigious award, from Police Chief Gary McLane in March 2005 for risking his life while off duty to save a fire victim this past January.

“Officer Palaby’s actions were heroic. With little regard for his own personal safety, he persisted in entering a burning building in order to save a life,” noted Chief McLane.

Before any emergency personnel arrived on the scene, and in spite of the billowing smoke and flames, Officer Palaby entered the burning house at least twice before successfully finding the unconscious elderly man who was trapped in the basement.

Officer Palaby sustained a severe laceration on his hand. He has fully recovered and is back on duty.