Fire Inspector John O'Brien Advertisement

Pahrump firefighter John O'Brien has been named one of seven Heroes of Southern Nevada and will be honored at a breakfast in Las Vegas Tuesday, Oct. 9.

The event is meant, said a Red Cross spokeswoman, to mark those "ordinary people who make extraordinary contributions, putting their needs aside to help others in times of crisis."

Individuals were chosen in seven categories, with O'Brien representing firefighters.

Fire Inspector O'Brien will be honored for his work with the Pahrump Valley Fire and Rescue Service, where, said Red Cross spokeswoman Kris Darnall, he "has risked his life and health to rescue others on countless occasions."

He has pursued a lengthy career as both firefighter and emergency medical technician and is a licensed pyrotechnician who teaches fire safety to the public.

As a Boy Scout leader, O'Brien has at several times responded to life-threatening occurrences at the Mount Potosi camp.

On one occasion he aided in quick treatment of a heart attack victim, and on another helped an individual survive anaphylactic shock.

O'Brien was nominated by his daughter, Deanna O'Brien, said Darnall. "He sounds amazing, from the letter we got."

Also chosen, as a good samaritan, was truck-driver Juan Trillo.

During a trip back from Tonopah to Las Vegas, Trillo came upon two cars that had collided head-on about 90 miles north of the city on Route 95.

One of the smashed vehicles was on fire, and Trillo, aided by two other motorists, worked to remove the injured driver from the cab. The doors had been crushed, but Trillo and the other two helpers were able to haul the driver out the window.

Trillo pulled the victim clear of the car, where he could be treated by EMTs who had just arrived.

Also at the scene were deputies from the Nye County Sheriff's Office.

"Trillo's quick and courageous response certainly saved a life that day," said Darnall.

Four others from different parts of southern Nevada were also nominated. The represented the military, law enforcement, animal rescue, medical professionals and "community impact."

The awards breakfast will convene at the Rio Hotel and Casino at 7:30 a.m.

Awards will be presented by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, parent company of the Pahrump Valley Times, KLAS-TV, Harrah's, Nevada Power and the Valley Health System.

For more information about the Heroes of Southern Nevada program or to purchase a table for the event, contact the Red Cross at 702-791-3311.