Victorville Deputies Honored With Red Cross First Responder Hero Award For Rescuing Woman From House Fire
VICTORVILLE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Two Victorville deputies were recognized for rescuing a woman from a house fire, earning a prestigious honor from the American Red Cross.
Deputy C. Cherms and Deputy S. Owens were awarded the First Responder Hero Award at the 2026 Inland Empire Heroes Awards on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario.
The Inland Empire Heroes Awards recognize individuals across the region for acts of heroism and humanitarian service, honoring those who demonstrate extraordinary courage, compassion, and selflessness.
According to the American Red Cross, “Deputy Christopher Cherms and Deputy Shawn Owens responded to a house fire in Victorville and learned an occupant was still inside. Without hesitation, Deputy Cherms forced entry through heavy smoke and heat, crawling into the burning home to search for victims while Deputy Owens prepared for extraction.”
The statement continued, “Deputy Cherms located an unresponsive woman, briefly retreated for air, then reentered to bring her to safety. Deputy Owens provided immediate care as Deputy Cherms attempted to search for additional victims, but the rapidly deteriorating conditions ultimately prevented further entry.”
Officials said the woman survived due to the deputies’ actions, which exemplified the highest standards of service and dedication.
The award stems from a fire that occurred on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, at approximately 9:08 a.m. in the 12000 block of Crestline Road near Amethyst Road in Victorville.
One adult female was rescued and airlifted to a hospital for treatment. Fire personnel later located an adult male inside a bedroom, where he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The victim was identified as 68-year-old Edson Delano Roberts, the husband of the injured woman. Two deputies sustained minor injuries during the rescue and were transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
The fire destroyed the home, leaving the family displaced. Officials said the rescued woman suffered severe burns. One of the family’s small dogs also died in the fire, and the residence was deemed a total loss as investigators continued to determine the cause.
Nominations for the Inland Empire Heroes Awards are accepted year-round. Individual event tickets and sponsorships are also available now. For more information about the Inland Empire Heroes Awards, please visit redcross.org/IEHeroes.
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