Pasadena Fire and Police, and Glendale Fire Engine 21 with Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Tashjian, St. Gregory Pasadena Altar Servers and Parish Council leadership following a special blessing service for the protection of the first responders

The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) and Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America partnered for the "Honoring Our Heroes" luncheon and blessing event honoring the brave men and women of the Los Angeles County Police and Fire Departments, on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the St. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena, California.

The event, which was attended by officers and firefighters from the Pasadena police and fire departments and the Glendale Fire Department, paid tribute to all the men and women of Los Angeles County Police and Fire Departments for their heroism during the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, and shared gratitude for their heroic efforts to protect their communities on a daily basis.

Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, parish priest of St. Gregory Pasadena, CA, leads a special prayer and blessing service in honor of the firefighters and police officers of LA County

"We are proud to partner with the Western Diocese and bring our community together to honor our true heroes, the men and women of LA County fire and police departments, whose heroism was on display at an unprecedented level during the wildfires last January," said Assembly Western Region Director David Ojakian. "This event, made more meaningful by the attendance of elected officials, was an opportunity to share our appreciation for the risks they take daily to keep our communities safe, and to offer a special prayer and blessing for their safety and protection."

Armenian Assembly SCRC, LACRC, Western Region Director David Ojakian, and Event Co-Chair Delilah Shahbazian, St. Gregory Pasadena clergy and leadership, and community-wide co-sponsors, with first responder honorees, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, State Assemblyman John Harabedian, and Field Rep. Representative of Rep. Brad Sherman's office, following the luncheon in honor of LA County Fire and Police

The luncheon following the church service featured remarks by Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), Sean Regan, Field Rep. for Congressman Brad Sherman's office (D-CA), State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-CA), State Assemblyman John Harabedian (D-CA), and Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, with each official sharing his or her gratitude for the efforts of the first responders who saved lives during the wildfires, and offering certificates honoring each officer and firefighter. 

Delilah Shahbazian, Assembly Los Angeles County Regional Committee Member who served as the luncheon event's Co-Chair, emphasized the "bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment" of the first responders who "inspire us all."

"It is an honor to come together as a community to recognize and celebrate our heroes, and we are grateful to our co-sponsor organizations who joined this mission, demonstrating the true spirit of unity and service."

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) with fire and police honorees, Assembly Western Region Director David Ojakian, Event Co-Chair Delilah Shahbazian, and St. Gregory Pasadena Parish Council Chair Sarkis Nazerian

Fellow Assembly LA Country Regional Committee Member and event Co-Chair Ellen Vartanian highlighted that "events like these are essential," emphasizing that "our first responders dedicate so much to protecting and serving our community, and honoring them through these gatherings is the least we can do to show our gratitude and give back."

"St. Gregory parish as well as the Western Diocese remain grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Armenian Assembly to acknowledge the dedication of the first responders who protected life and property during the Eaton Canyon Fire," said Rev. Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, Pastor of the St. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena, California.

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo shares remarks of gratitude for the first responders

The event brought together various Armenian organizations to honor the first responders and provide a platform for community members to meet and greet with the first responders and local officials. 

The Armenian Assembly of America received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from Rep. Judy Chu in recognition of the organization's "high standards of excellence and outstanding achievements" as well as its "unwavering commitment to uplifting the heroes of the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires."

State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez shared gratitude and thanks to the first responder honorees and offered special certificates in their honor

Elected Officials Present/Offices Represented

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28)

Sean Regan, Field Rep.,

Rep. Brad Sherman's Office (CA-32)

Maria Sosyan, Director of Community Engagement,

Rep. Laura Friedman's Office (CA-30)

State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (SD-25)

State Assemblyman John Harabedian (AD-41)

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo

 

Community Organization Cosponsors

Armenian Assembly of America

Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America

St. Gregory Pasadena, Host Parish

AGBU Western Region

Armenian Church Youth Organization, Western Diocese (ACYO-WD)

Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (ADL)

ANCA Western Region

Cal State Northridge (CSUN) Armenian Fraternity

Code 3 Angels

Nerouj 

Yeraz Foundation 

Honorees included:

Pasadena Fire Department

Sean Timoney

David Peltz

Russell Kraus

Troy Snakenborg

Josef Konrad

Esteban Occonitrillo

Gregory Gonzales

John Mullen

Kyle Herring

Eddie De La O

 

Pasadena Police Department

Officer Michael Patarino

Officer Donaldo Roachford

Officer Nicolas King

Officer Destiny Sanchez

Sergeant Todd McDonald

Corporal Barry Glockson

Sergeant Tom Blanchard 

Officer Robert Jaramillo 

Officer Marko Mendoza

Officer Ralph Palacios 

Officer Pedro Sanchez

 

Glendale Fire Engine 21

Captain Babayan

Engineer Brown

Firefighter Canzone

Firefighter Walker

Assemblyman John Harabedian (AD-41) addressing honorees and luncheon attendees

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Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a strictly non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.