Insurance Agent Rescues Animals During Apple Fire: Local Hero

BANNING-BEAUMONT, CA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. Together with Ring, we're working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Ernest and June Siva who nominated Valerie Menefee:

Name: Valerie Menefee

Home town: Banning-Beaumont

Hero's job: Business

Relationship to nominee: She is our insurance agent, but we met her doing community work.

Reason for recognition: We were evacuated because of the Apple fire. We left our dog and horse behind. Our hero, Valerie, came by the next day and rescued both. She took our horse to a local ranch friend and our dog to her home. Both returned — dog groomed and horses feet trimmed.

One thing to know: Valerie was there for us in an hour of need and wouldn't accept any payment for all she did. She is Angel Valerie to us!

Thank you for all you do, Valerie!

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here. Read about other heroes from across California here.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.