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Senator Steven Choi, Ph.D. joined by Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) officials, presented a certificate of recognition on Tuesday to Laguna Woods resident Vixay Sichaleune for his lifesaving actions to alert a sleeping neighbor to a fire spreading into her home.
“Mr. Sichaleune demonstrated extraordinary care for his neighbor when every second mattered,” said Senator Choi. “His quick thinking and decisive actions helped her reach safety and prevented what could have been a tragedy. I am honored to recognize his courage and thank him for going above and beyond for his community.”
The fire started at approximately 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday at a fourplex on Via Puerta. As flames spread from a patio toward the roof and into the residence, Mr. Sichaleune pounded on his neighbor’s door to wake her and alert her to the danger.
“Mr. Sichaleune recognized the danger and acted immediately to alert his neighbor,” said OCFA Division 5 Chief Reid Gibson. “His actions gave her critical time to get to safety. We commend him for looking out for his neighbor and acting when it mattered most.”
Joining Senator Choi for the presentation were OCFA Division 5 Chief Reid Gibson, Division 5 Battalion Chief Andrew Bailey, and Division 5 Administrative Captain Andrew Bergen.
“Mr. Sichaleune’s actions reinforce the meaning of looking out for one another,” added Senator Choi. “I also thank the Orange County Fire Authority firefighters whose swift response protected residents and prevented the fire from spreading to neighboring homes.”