When an emergency arises outside Camp Roberts in San Luis Obispo County, our California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) members who are Firefighter-Security Officers with Camp Roberts Emergency Services, are called to respond.

That was the case May 28, 2014 when two commercial vehicles, one towing the other, spun out of control and rolled over on Highway 101 at the east Garrison exit.

"A big rig tow truck was towing a crane southbound to Bakersfield," said CSLEA Member Randy Martin.  "A tire on front of the crane blew out which caused the two vehicles to turn 180 degrees.  That's a long piece of equipment to have spinning."

The large tow truck and crane  both rolled over in the center divider.  When Engine 8991 arrived, Fire-Security Captain Dave Johnstone and Firefighter-Security Officers Randy Martin and Hugh Dugan went to work, treating the two victims, stabilizing the overturned vehicles, and mitigating a large diesel spill.

"This was great work by the responding crew," said Steve Bradley, president of the State Employed Fire Fighters Association (SEFFA), one of 18 affiliates within CSLEA.  "Few people know what a vital emergency response service our Camp Roberts firefighter-security officers provide, at Camp Roberts, to our surrounding communities and to the State of California."

"There is no question these emergency response professionals are a hidden gem," said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  "As first responders, they work side by side with CALFIRE, CHP and Cal Trans to rescue and to protect.  They are a vital part of emergency response in their communities."

The two injured parties, the driver of the tow truck and the driver of the crane, were treated for  minor injuries.