CHP Officer Ryan Ayers awarded Medal of Valor for his off-duty actions in San Luis Obispo

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – On Aug. 6 of 2021, off-duty California Highway Patrol Officer Ryan Ayers was driving on U. S. 101 in San Luis Obispo when he saw a semi-truck involved in an accident then careen off the road. What Ayers did next was save a stranger's life.

Ayers climbed down the hillside and found an unconscious driver in the cab.

After clearing enough debris to reach the driver through increasing smoke, Ayers safely removed the man as the truck was eventually engulfed in flames.

For his actions in saving the man at notable risk to his own safety, Ayers was awarded the highest state award for valor presented to a public safety officer, the Governor's Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor.

“The heroes we are honoring today are men who showed extraordinary compassion, bravery, and sacrifice,” said Governor Newsom. The Governor added that the medal recipients were, "examples of the California spirit, our dedication to each other, and to doing the right thing."