California Highway Patrol Officer Ricardo Ayala is a hero in our books. The first responder was awarded a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Goleta at the February 18 City Council meeting for his bravery following a small plane crash on January 29.

While conducting a routine enforcement stop on the 101 near Los Carneros in Goleta, Officer Ayala heard an explosion followed by a small plane crashing near Glen Annie Road. He immediately rushed to the crash site, hopped a chain link freeway perimeter fence, sprinted towards the burning plane and pulled the injured pilot from the wreckage. As they pulled a few yards from safety, flames engulfed the plane.

Captain Michael Logie, Ayala’s commanding officer, said “I’m very proud of him, the moment and the acts that he did, without even thinking, just responding and reacting based on his training, who he is as a person, to go and save two people’s lives.”

After a standing ovation from the City Council and members of the public at the meeting, CHP Officer Ayala’s humble nature shone through, “Thank you all. I was just doing my job,” he said.

All of City Council had the opportunity to thank CHP Officer Ayala for his actions. “I bet you think you’re not a hero, but we know you are,” said Mayor Perotte. “You’re my hero. You’re our hero.”

Thank you, CHP Officer Ayala, for your selflessness and dedication. You are a shining example of what it means to serve and protect.

Officer Ayala with the Goleta City Council (pictured left-to-right): Mayor Pro Tempore Stuart Kasdin (District 4), Mayor Paula Perotte, Officer Ricardo Ayala, Councilmember James Kyriaco (District 2), Councilmember Jennifer Smith (District 3) and Councilmember Luz Reyes-Martín (District 1)

Captain Logie speaking about Officer Ayala