Halle Roebuck was born in Paradise, California just moments before a raging fire approached the local Adventist Health Feather River Hospital. Immediately after her birth, the hospital’s patients were ordered to evacuate. Heather Roebuck, Halle’s mom, later said she was told “Grab your baby, we’ve got to go.” Unable to move her lower extremities, Heather had to be transported by ambulance. Meanwhile, Heather’s husband took Halle in his car. The ambulance only made it a half mile before the vehicle caught fire due to the heavy flames driven by high winds.
“I said goodbye to my husband, and just told him to tell the kids I love them,” said Heather Roebuck.
Heather and several other Paradise residents were rescued by the brave actions of David Hawks, CAL FIRE Butte Unit Chief and Butte County Fire Chief. Chief Hawks is being recognized for his courageous effort with the 2019 IAFC Ben Franklin Award for Valor, sponsored by Motorola Solutions.