Councilmember John Lee and the LAPD Devonshire Division on Saturday honored a young man who risked his own life to save two others after a fiery crash in Northridge earlier this year.
“A special presentation for someone who’s shown what it means to be an angel in City of Angels,” Lee said. “You have a community that’s so grateful for what you did and stepping up in times of need.”
In the early morning of Feb. 9, Fermin Hernandez was driving along Nordhoff Street when he spotted a crash.
“I saw two people inside the Tesla were not coming out,” Hernandez said. “There’s something going on. Smoke. I have to do something.”
Without hesitation, he ran to the vehicle — but the doors were locked. He tried everything, including punching the window. After several attempts and injuring his hand, Hernandez managed to open a door with the help of another witness. He then pulled the first victim to safety.
“Didn’t think of pain or fear. I just acted,” Hernandez said. “I opened the door, saw the gentleman, dragged him out, saw a girl still inside the car.”
That’s when the situation turned even more dangerous. Hernandez saw the fire reaching the woman’s legs.
“I needed to get her out,” Hernandez said. “And the whole time, the car was exploding — having small explosions.”
Hernandez kept trying to get the woman out, facing the impossible choice of risking his life.
“I was feeling hopeless. I’m either going to burn with her or, no other option, need to get her out. Don’t care what it takes,” he said.
It took three attempts, but he finally pulled her free, just before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames.
Saturday’s recognition serves as a reminder of compassion, selflessness and bravery. But for Hernandez, the praise and award isn’t what matters most.
“No matter if they’re a stranger, they’re human, and human life matters,” the honoree said. “I don’t feel like a hero — just a human looking out for other human beings. I just want to spread positivity.”