Keynote speaker, actor, Beau Bridges addresses the crowd at city of Bellflower's 19th annual Bravo awards on Thursday afternoon. He spoke of his two heroes, his father and his former basketball coach, UCLA's John Wooden. Bridges also spoke of a time he was grateful for law enforcement when he found himself held up at gunpoint. (Brittany Murray / Staff Photographer)

BELLFLOWER - Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies and a good Samaritan who helped rescue an elderly, paralyzed man in August from his burning home were recognized Thursday. | PHOTOS

They were among 18 citizens and first responders from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's and Fire departments who were honored for outstanding acts of valor, heroism and service at the city's 19th annual Bravo Awards.

About 400 people attended the free event at the William and Jane Bristol Civic Auditorium inside Bellflower City Hall.

Actor Beau Bridges delivered the keynote address, and ABC (Channel 7) News

Teri Larsen recipient of a Bravo award for outstanding service points to students in the audience. Larsen and Beatriz Sandoval have invested their time to help children with homework every Tuesday night in their neighborhood for the past 6 years. (Brittany Murray / Staff Photographer)

The Aug. 11 fire was reported to 911 when neighbors heard the 85-year-old resident yelling for help. The rear of the house was on fire, with black smoke spewing from the roof.

Sheriff's deputies Victor Solis and Gamielle Marshall arrived first on the scene and tried to enter the home by breaking a window - but every window was secured with metal bars, and all doors were locked.

The deputies also tried squeezing through the security bars, but to no avail.

However, the elderly man's neighbor, Arthur L. Peacock, 59, ran over and was small enough to slip through a window and unlock the kitchen door.

Marshall ran into the burning home and rescued the man in a wheelchair.

The victim and both deputies were all taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and released the next day.

Peacock was seen by Los Angeles County paramedics, but declined further medical treatment.

The fire was deemed accidental.

For a complete list of Bravo Award recipients, visit www.bellflower.org phillip.zonkel@presstelegram.com, 562-499-1258, twitter.com/zonkelpt