Full Notification

In the late afternoon of September 12, 2008, Deputy John Ebert was traveling aboard a Metrolink train providing passenger security when the train failed to stop for a red light and crashed into an oncoming freight train, causing both trains to derail in a horrific head-on collision. Deputy Ebert, along with the other passengers, was thrown against the interior of the train and sustained numerous serious and life-threatening injuries, including broken ribs, a shattered left wrist, a broken scapula, a broken collarbone and a punctured lung.

Due to his severe injuries, Deputy Ebert was unable to radio for assistance but instructed another passenger on how to manipulate the microphone. Although he was in significant pain, Deputy Ebert somehow maintained his composure, calmed the fears of other passengers and broadcast pertinent information, including the extent of the crash, injuries and location.

Realizing that further tragedy could result if the passengers were not evacuated from the train as soon as possible, Deputy Ebert unselfishly tried to assist as many people as he could. Although both of his arms were physically disabled, Deputy Ebert assisted passengers out of the rail cars until he could no longer assist anyone and collapsed from his own injuries.

It was not until he was assisted away from the derailed cars that Deputy Ebert finally became aware of the serious nature of his own injuries. He was ultimately transported to a local hospital, where he remained in intensive care for over two weeks.

Sadly, the catastrophic collision abruptly ended the lives of 26 people and caused severe life-altering injuries to many of the passengers. Later, fellow passengers from the train commented on the heroics of Deputy Ebert, advising he had given them hope and direction during the first critical moments immediately following the crash.

For demonstrating leadership, strength and courage under significant hardship and persevering in his mission to help his fellow man, Deputy John Ebert is awarded the Purple Heart.

Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau – Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
(323) 267-4800
http://www.lasd.org
[email protected]
Twitter @LASD_News http://twitter.com/#!/LASD_News
http://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountySheriffsDepartment


Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local sheriff’s station or police department. Or, if you wish to remain anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

Leroy D. Baca, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

To receive detailed, up-to-date information directly from the LASD via e-mail and/or text, register for "Nixle" alerts at http:www.Nixle.com and register for "LASD-HQ Newsroom (SHB), Los Angeles County Sheriff" and also register for your local LASD station area. Or, text you zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts only. Standart text messaging rates may apply, depending on your calling plan.

(To see photos, click on the hyperlink below)