Boys receive commendations for quick action while extinguishing a house fire 

Two local teens received plaques and commendations from Malibu City Council and the Los Angeles Sheriff’sDepartment for their quick action and bravery after putting out a potentially devastating fire and narrowly averting disaster in a quiet Malibu neighborhood. 

Fifteen-year-old Oscar W. Johnson and his friend Patrick Steele, 13, were riding their bikes near Bailard Road on April 5 when they smelled smoke. Moments later, they spotted dark smoke rising from a nearby house. Without hesitation, they sprang into action — an act of courage that is earning them praise and thanks from their community that has been devastated by fire.

The boys soon discovered a trash can and outdoor table fully engulfed in flames with fire licking up the home’s wooden garage door. Recognizing the serious threat to the home and surrounding properties, they quickly split up to respond. Patrick, a seventh-grader at Malibu Middle School, raced home to retrieve a fire extinguisher while Oscar, a ninth-grader at Malibu High, found large water jugs at the side of the house and began dousing the growing blaze. They called 911, and soon a neighbor arrived to help slow the fire’s spread. When Patrick returned with the extinguisher, the two friends managed to knock down the remaining flames before they could cause further damage. Emergency services soon arrived to fully extinguish the blaze.

Their quick and effective response was more than luck — it was the result of presence of mind, courage, and, in Oscar’scase, preparation. At just 15 years old, Oscar is a member of the Malibu Fire Brigade and has received training in fire safety. “I think my training helped me know what to look for and how to react,” he explained. “But honestly, we just saw the fire and knew we had to do something. There wasn’t time to think — just time to act.”

Patrick had no formal training, but his instincts and determination proved equally important. “My house burned down a few years ago, so I know what that kind of loss feels like,” he shared. “I just knew we had to try to stop it.” Despite not having any previous firefighting experience, he quickly located the extinguisher at his home and returned to the scene, playing a crucial role in controlling the blaze.

For their actions, both teens were honored at the May 27 Malibu City Council meeting. A formal resolution recognized their “heroism, civic spirit, and exemplary conduct,” emphasizing that their swift response “prevented what could have become a far more devastating situation.” Plaques to the boys recognizing their bravery and heroism were presented by Sheriff’s Sgt. Christopher Soderlund who told the boys, “You’re a fine example of young men and a shining example of what a good citizen looks like,” then stated, “Their actions serve as an important reminder, that regardless of age, you can have a profound impact in your community.”

In presenting commendations, Mayor Marianne Riggins stated, “Be it resolved, the City Council formally commends Oscar Johnson and Patrick Steele for their heroism, civic spirit, and exemplary conduct. Their actions reflect the best of our community and embody the resilient spirit of Malibu.”

Public safety leader and VOP Guy Blake praised the boys for their actions. “You guys are a shining example of what it means to be a good neighbor and a responsible citizen,” he said. “This community has been through a lot with fire, and it means so much to know there are young people stepping up to help protect it.”

Of course, the boys’ mothers were especially proud of their sons. “Patrick has a caring nature and a strong sense of responsibility beyond his years,” Ashley Steele commented. “We’re beyond proud of his quick thinking and grateful he and Oscar acted without hesitation.”

Kate Novalany Johnson wrote, “Oscar. There is no one like him. I am constantly in awe of his independent thinking and wise and thoughtful actions — much more a better person than I. I admire him and though I get to guide him as his mother, he teaches me every day how to be the better version of myself.”

Reflecting on the experience, Patrick humbly said, “We were just happy we were there to help and change the outcome of what could have happened.” Oscar added, “I hope more people, especially teens, realize they can step up too. If there’s a fire brigade in your neighborhood, join it. Be ready to help.”

Malibu’s Mark Russo receives inaugural Mike Treinen Public Safety award

A heartfelt tribute was paid to a late beloved deputy at City Council May 27 as an inaugural award bearing his name was presented to local resident Mark Russo. 

Russo, who moved to Malibu 15 years ago, quickly immersed himself in service to his community. For the past 13 years, he has served as a member of the Volunteers on Patrol (VOP) program through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. VOPs are a vital part of Malibu’s public safety network, and for 12 of those years, Russo has served as the team’s leader, building the VOPs into one of the most respected and effective volunteer units in the region. Under his leadership, the program has evolved from a small, inexperienced group into a professional, well-trained unit that plays a critical role in Malibu’s daily operations and emergency responses.

The VOP team, under Russo’s guidance, performs traffic control, responds to vehicle collisions, assists with parking enforcement, and provides crucial support during disasters. One of the most poignant examples of this was during the tragic 2023 incident that claimed the lives of four Pepperdine students. Russo and his team worked through the night and well into the next day, maintaining road closures and assisting deputies during one of Malibu’s darkest hours. It is this kind of dedication that makes the VOP team not just a support system but a force multiplier for the Sheriff’s Department.

Russo’s tireless service, quiet leadership, and deep commitment to community safety was recognized as he was presentedwith the first Mike Treinen Award. The award honors the legacy of the late Deputy Treinen, who left an indelible mark on the city and is remembered for his compassionate work as a homeless outreach coordinator and for his acts of valor throughout his career with the LASD. Treinen’s legacy of service, compassion, and bravery that Russo exemplifies is admired by city leaders and VOPs including longtime VOP Guy Blake who summed it up saying, “Some individuals stand out for their great qualities and leadership, and Mark is one of those unique individuals.  Not only is he well respected within the community and the LASD for his intelligence, work ethic, and leadership, Mark has become the ‘go-to’ person for all things public safety. 

“When Mark joined the VOP program, the Malibu VOP team was a small unit with little experience or training.  With the support of the City of Malibu and the Malibu/Lost Hills Station, Mark took on the role of training officer and launched an initiative to emphasize safety, training, and communication.  He sought out training opportunities and encouraged VOP members to participate.  Mark personally took the initiative to secure LASD radios (both in-car and portable units) and made sure each member was trained on the proper use of these critical pieces of equipment.  With Mark’s training and leadership, the Malibu VOP team has become a unique unit in the LASD. The team has evolved from merely acting as eyes and ears to a force multiplier, allowing deputies to be freed up to respond to more critical matters. The team has assisted deputies and firefighters at hundreds of traffic collisions; provided fire watch patrols during Red Flag conditions; conducted traffic control and assisted with evacuations during wildfires; provided parking enforcement throughout the City of Malibu; and generally represented the LASD and the City of Malibu as friendly, professional, and approachable uniformed ambassadors to the residents and the millions of people who visit the City of Malibu.  Given the success of Mark’s initiatives, he has even been asked to train other VOP teams from other cities serviced by LHS Station (e.g., Agoura, Calabasas, Westlake).”  

Fellow VOP member Bill Melcher echoed that sentiment. “He is reliable and someone that can always be counted on to solve a problem, no matter its complexity.”

VOP Andrea Pasquetin credited Russo’s leadership as the reason Malibu’s program has become as robust and appreciated as it is today. “He is the glue that keeps the team together and the engine that moves it forward,” she said. “Without Mark, the program in Malibu would be very different.”

Accepting the award, Russo spoke with humility and deep appreciation. “When we first moved here, I was reallyimpressed by the sense of community. I think it’s incumbent on all of us to figure out ways to help out. Public safety was the way I felt I could give back.” 

Reflecting on Deputy Treinen’s legacy, Russo recalled a plaque at the Malibu/Lost Hills Station that calls Treinen a “legendary lawman.” He added, “He didn’t just come here to work. He came to be part of the community. That’s what it’s all about.”