Honorees

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Year Honored
2011
Honoree
Esteban Angel Bahena
Agency
San Diego Medical Services
Agency City
San Diego
Agency State
CA
Last Call
4/1/10
Cause of Death
Struck at Scene
Biography
His last post on a social network page just a few hours before he died spoke volumes of just how Esteban Bahena viewed his chosen career. "Just transported a patient off a jet plane. Love my job." What more could anyone say? Born and raised in San Diego, Esteban cared more about everybody and was more of a big brother than a partner. Known as a charming young man, he could and would start conversations with anyone and made friends wherever he was. His ambitions were to become a firefighter/paramedic with the San Diego Fire Department.<br /> <br /> In the early morning hours of April 1, 2010, Esteban and his partner happened upon a single vehicle traffic accident and a second two-car accident. After assessing the patients and initiating a response, Esteban, 24, began to place flares to warn oncoming traffic. During this process, a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed struck Bahena. San Diego Fire-Rescue Engine 4, returning from a call, came upon the incident and immediately began to render aid. Bahena was transported to Mercy Hospital where he died.<br /> <br /> Mr. Bahena was a graduate of Mount Miguel High School and received a degree in psychology from the University of California, San Diego. He attained his EMT certificate from Miramar College. Esteban was the first EMT killed in the line of duty in the company's thirteen-year history.<br /> <br /> Honored 2011