05/14/2026
On December 20, 2025, at 10:36 p.m., Santa Rosa Fire Department Engine 10 responded to a reported vehicle accident at Ludwig Avenue and Stony Point Road. Engine 10, staffed by Captain Sam Hoel, Engineer Joe Perez, and Firefighter Paramedic Nathan Dilly, arrived to find law enforcement and ambulance personnel already on scene. Initially, the incident appeared unremarkable, with one vehicle resting on the center median and another on the shoulder.
As the crew exited the engine, the vehicle on the median suddenly burst into flames. Inside the burning vehicle, firefighters could see the silhouette of an occupant and hear desperate screams for help.
Firefighter Dilly immediately sprang into action. After quickly donning his bunker coat and helmet, he deployed a hose line and began attacking the fire. Despite his efforts, the flames, fueled by flammable liquids, continued to intensify. Captain Hoel took over the hose line while firefighter Dilly made the decision to approach the burning vehicle directly. Without hesitation firefighter Dilly opened the driver’s door and pulled the frantic occupant through the flames to safety. The victim survived with only minor burns due to his heroic actions.
Santa Rosa Fire Department's EMS Division Chief Matthew Gloeckner, EMS Captain Chris Matthies, and Continuous Quality Improvement Coordinator Chris Gossner proudly presented firefighter Dilly with the following "Nathan Dilly for your selfless actions on December 20th, 2025, the Santa Rosa Fire Department is proud to present you with the State EMSA Clinical Excellence Award. Included with this award is also a Class A uniform pin to be worn on your Class A Uniform that demonstrates your recognition of providing Clinical Excellence above and beyond the call of duty." in front of firefighter Dilly's immediate family and Santa Rosa Fire staff in attendance. Please help us congratulate congratulate Nathan Dilly!