Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Killea, the Commanding General of Marine Corps Installations – West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, hosted a luncheon to honor police officers, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel for their lifesaving efforts on April 19, 2018.

On April 29, 2017, Leanne Ericson endured a shark attack at the San Onofre State Beach on Camp Pendleton. The emergency personnel present at the luncheon, worked diligently that day to save this woman’s life, while using their knowledge and training to treat her wounds and transport her to the hospital.

“Thank you to everybody that was there to help. If it wasn’t for all of you, I wouldn’t be here,” said Leanne Ericson. “It takes a lot to do what you guys do.”

Today was the first time Leanne and the first responders have reunited since the day of the incident.

"Without the first responders, Leanne wouldn't have made it." said Dustin Phillips, who was with her on the day of the attack. "I might have gotten her into the beach, but she wouldn't have been able to survive. Being on base here definitely helped save her life because of how close the first responders were."

Chief Jeff Moore, Captain David Lewis, Tom Klein, Steve Chavez, Justin Myers, Chris Braun and Lou Santos were awarded for their actions on December 19, 2017.