Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Four to Be Honored at Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Courage Awards in Pasadena Today

Recognition event in Pasadena spotlights those who intervened in public attacks and domestic violence

Four Los Angeles County residents who acted with exceptional courage during violent crimes will be honored at the District Attorney’s Courage Awards in Pasadena on Wednesday. The awards celebrate those who stepped in during moments of crisis, risking their own safety to help others, and aim to inspire more members of the community to do the right thing when needed.

Among this year’s honorees, who have not yet been named publicly, are two passengers who stopped a woman from setting another passenger on fire aboard a train in Pasadena, a woman who helped save the life of a domestic violence shooting victim in Azusa and a worker who intervened when a woman was being attacked in Hollywood.

“It is the hope of the District Attorney’s Office that this kind of public recognition inspires others to do the right thing when the time calls,” the District Attorney’s office said.

The Courage Awards, formerly known as the Courageous Citizen Awards, were first presented in 1986 to recognize people who have acted with courage and considerable personal risk to help victims of crime, to assist in the capture of a suspect, or to testify under extraordinary pressure.

The awards are presented at regional luncheons hosted by local service organizations and honorees are nominated by Deputy District Attorneys and others in the office.

District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed pride in the honorees, saying, “Their willingness to intervene and protect those around them, including strangers, reflects our strength in Los Angeles County. Heroes don’t always wear uniforms; sometimes they’re simply people who stepped up during a crisis.” Hochman continued, “I extend my personal gratitude to these heroic bystanders who made the difficult decision to intervene in the moment of crisis, setting their personal welfare aside, to help victims of crime.”

The recognition will take place during the Rotary Club of Pasadena’s weekly luncheon at The University Club, located at 175 N. Oakland Ave. in Pasadena. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., with the luncheon running until 1:30 p.m.

The meeting begins at 12:30 p.m., and the featured speaker is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Assistant District Attorney María Ramírez, additional Deputy District Attorneys, and the honorees will participate in the event. For nonmembers, the luncheon cost is $45.

The University Club, 175 N. Oakland Ave., in Pasadena. For more visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1T2qEdvLIseHIl995ayNP8NqprkYRaIUnIAPTiuehlzA/viewform?edit_requested=true. Tickets: $45.