Every day, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Pest Exclusion employees stand on the front lines of protecting California’s agriculture from invasive pests and diseases. But on two separate days in 2024, three employees faced emergencies where their commitment to public service extended far beyond their normal duties.
Today, three CDFA employees with the Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services (PHPPS) Branch’s Pest Exclusion Program were recognized with the Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor for demonstrating courage, quick thinking and selfless service during dangerous situations:
- Eduardo Guerrero, Agricultural Technician III (Seasonal)
- Felix Salas, Plant Quarantine Supervisor I
- Bailey White, Plant Quarantine Inspector
The awards were presented during the 2026 Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor Award Ceremony at the California Highway Patrol Academy in West Sacramento, where 36 state employees from six departments were honored for heroic actions that protected the lives and safety of others. The award, given on behalf of Governor Gavin Newsom, is the state’s highest honor for heroism.
“CDFA employees work every day to protect California’s food safety, strengthen agricultural communities and safeguard our natural systems, often in remote locations and under challenging conditions,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Eduardo, Felix and Bailey represent the very best of public service. Their courage, professionalism and willingness to act in moments of crisis made a profound difference and exemplify the values we hold at CDFA.”
The Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor is one of the highest honors bestowed upon California state employees and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary courage, often placing their own safety at risk to protect the lives of others.
Eduardo Guerrero: Stopping a Wildfire Before It Spread
On September 8, 2024, Eduardo Guerrero was working at the Tulelake Border Protection Station in Siskiyou County when a passing motorist reported a small wildfire burning along the highway near state-owned housing cabins.
While his colleague, Plant Quarantine Inspector Erin Addison, called 911, Guerrero immediately grabbed a fire extinguisher and rushed toward the flames. In the hot, dry conditions of a remote area near the Modoc National Forest, the fire had already begun spreading through dry grass and threatened to become a larger wildfire.
After knocking down most of the flames, Guerrero noticed embers still burning. The fire reignited and he had to use a shovel and use dirt to put it out completely—working tirelessly for an hour at night. Knowing emergency responders could take time to arrive due to the station’s remote location and limited cell service, he returned to retrieve a shovel and continued working alone to extinguish the remaining hot spots.
His decisive actions prevented the fire from spreading, protected nearby state housing and helped ensure the safety of travelers and residents.
Felix Salas and Bailey White: Running Toward a Burning Vehicle to Save a Life
At approximately 2:40 a.m. on December 8, 2024, Felix Salas and Bailey White were working at the Blythe Border Protection Station in Riverside County when a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed crashed into a safety barrier and became engulfed in flames.
Without hesitation, the two employees grabbed fire extinguishers and ran toward the burning vehicle. Working together, they extinguished the flames and discovered the driver trapped inside the heavily damaged cab, unable to escape because his leg was pinned.
With smoke filling the vehicle, Salas and White pried open the door to allow the driver to breathe. They remained with him, offering reassurance and keeping him calm until emergency medical personnel arrived.
Their bravery, teamwork and willingness to put themselves in danger saved the driver’s life.
CDFA congratulates Eduardo Guerrero, Felix Salas and Bailey White for their remarkable service and for representing the very best of California public service.
