Supervisor Janice Hahn on Tuesday, July 11, honored Avalon Fire Department Capt. John Meffert, who is credited with saving two individuals trapped in the wreckage of a June 30 plane crash on the 405 Freeway. The City Council will reportedly honor Avalon Fire Department Capt. John Meffert at 6 p.m., July 18, in the council chambers at City Hall.
Supervisor Janice Hahn on Tuesday, July 11, honored Avalon Fire Department Capt. John Meffert, who is credited with saving two individuals trapped in the wreckage of a June 30 plane crash on the 405 Freeway. The City Council will reportedly honor Avalon Fire Department Capt. John Meffert at 6 p.m., July 18, in the council chambers at City Hall.
Supervisor Hahn presented Meffert with an official County scroll in appreciation of his bravery. Hahn’s district includes the City of Avalon. Meffert was off-duty on June 30th when he was driving on the 405 freeway toward John Wayne Airport and noticed an aircraft flying unusually low. It was only seconds later that he realized the aircraft was headed straight toward him. The plane hit the front of Meffert’s car, but he was able to maintain control of the vehicle.
The small plane carrying a pilot and passenger crashed a short distance away from him on the 405 freeway. Although the plane was nearly engulfed in flames, Meffert was able to pull both the passenger and pilot out of the wreckage and to safety. He was also able to perform an initial lower neurological check on the victims and direct other individuals that had gotten out of their cars to help.
“Most of us run from danger, Capt. Meffert is one of the few who regularly runs towards it,” said Supervisor Hahn. “He demonstrated extraordinary heroism putting his own life on the line to save the lives of two strangers in need. That is why, on behalf of the Board of Supervisors and the entire County family, I am proud to offer Capt. Meffert this scroll in appreciation of his bravery.”
