During a severe snowstorm in Mendocino County on February 23, 2023, local Caltrans workers Michael Butner and Gonzalo Garcia saved an elderly couple just before their RV was crushed by falling trees at Rattlesnake Summit on Highway 101. Their quick thinking and bravery earned them the Governor’s Silver Medal of Valor.
The incident took place at Rattlesnake Summit, a windy section of Highway 101 over 2,000 feet in elevation. Michael Butner recalled, “We knew the storm was coming, and we were on patrol north of Fort Bragg. The trees started coming down, so they sent us to 101. We took Highway 1 up to Leggett, removing fallen trees. The snow got worse and worse.”
Butner described the chaos as “mayhem,” with trees snapping at the base and wet, sticky snow creating dangerous conditions. “It sounded like someone on the hill was popping off rounds with a shotgun,” he said. Near Rattlesnake Summit, a northbound semi-truck jackknifed, blocking traffic completely. “People were in line. Anyone with AWD, we sent them south. Anyone with front or rear-wheel drive, we directed to safe areas to wait it out.”
In the line of vehicles, Butner and Garcia found an elderly couple with a large RV towing a car. They couldn’t turn the RV around and encouraged the couple to leave their vehicle for safety. Initially, the couple refused and chose to stay in their RV.
As more trees fell under the weight of the heavy snow, Butner and Garcia returned to the couple with increased urgency. “I need you guys to get out of there; the trees are right over your RV,” Butner insisted. The couple complied, gathering their valuables and unhooking their car. Just minutes after they were taken to safety, the RV was crushed by a falling tree, right where the beds were located.
Butner and Garcia’s determination and quick action saved the couple from serious harm. Their bravery was recognized at a ceremony at the State Capitol in Sacramento on June 26, where they were among nine Caltrans employees who received the Medal of Valor.
In a press release, Caltrans described the Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor as “the highest honor California bestows on its public servants.” The medals are awarded annually to state employees for acts of heroism to save lives or protect state property.
Butner joked that he was sad that Governor Gavin Newsom was not present at the ceremony as he was hoping to discuss recent budget cuts.
He took pride in the recognition of the hard work and dedication of the tree maintenance crew. “Sadly, most everyone sees maintenance workers as adjusting cones, picking up litter, and sweeping…But the tree crew, we kicked ass,” he said.
The real heroes of our society