Sometimes the biggest acts of service begin with noticing something small.
While conducting a routine 4th of July patrol at the Western Area Power Administration's (WAPA) Elverta Substation near Sacramento, Security Officer Robert Bennett spotted what looked like a faint glow in a roadside ditch. At first, he thought it was sunlight reflecting off an object. Then he realized it was a fire.
"It was tiny—about the size of a fist," Bennett recalled. "But it was hot, windy, and I knew once the grass caught, it was going to outrun me."
Understanding how quickly fires can spread during California's wildfire season, Bennett immediately notified emergency dispatch, remained on scene, and prepared to provide firefighters access through the secured facility. Within minutes, the small flame was racing through dry grass, driven by high winds.
By the time firefighters arrived, the fire had grown to nearly one-third of an acre, reached the facility's perimeter fence, and was advancing toward the WAPA substation, maintenance facility, and nearby Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) electrical infrastructure.
His quick response gave firefighters the time they needed to stop the blaze before it could reach WAPA's electrical infrastructure, preventing what could have become a much larger emergency.
For his vigilance and decisive actions, Bennett has been awarded a Certificate of Commendation from The Hana Group.
Brad Worthington, WAPA's Safety and Occupational Health Manager, didn't hesitate in his assessment. "Had it not been for Robert Bennett's alertness and immediate action," he wrote, "the fire could have easily breached our property line, posing a severe threat to our personnel, equipment, and critical facilities."
Tiffany Perrin echoed that sentiment, saying Bennett's quick thinking "prevented a major situation that California did not need," while thanking both Bennett and the Hana security team for their rapid response.
For Bennett, who has worked in security since 2018 and previously served as a sworn Sheriff's Security Officer, responding without hesitation was simply part of the job.
John Jaramillo, Regional Project Manager for The Hana Group, said recognizing employees for moments like these is an important part of Hana's culture. "Hana strives to give our employees recognition for outstanding work such as this," he said.
Congratulations, Robert, and thank you for exemplifying what it means to serve and protect.