When the California Palisades Fire threatened residents at Atria Park of Pacific Palisades this January, one woman’s extraordinary courage and unwavering commitment made all the difference. Betty Murrell, a community driver from Atria Hillcrest in Thousand Oaks, has been nominated for the 2025 Argentum Hero Awards’ Emergency Response Leadership Award in recognition of her exceptional actions during this crisis. This distinguished award honors individuals who demonstrate remarkable resilience and decisive leadership in ensuring the safety and well-being of older adults during emergencies.
Answering the call
On January 7, 2025, as Santa Ana winds surged to hurricane-force speeds of up to 80 mph, a wildfire ignited within 10 miles of Atria Park of Pacific Palisades. As the situation rapidly deteriorated, the team reached out to nearby Atria Hillcrest for assistance in evacuating residents. Without hesitation, Betty sprang into action, driving the Atria bus toward the affected community.
By the time she arrived, conditions had become increasingly perilous. The fire had changed course due to shifting winds, the smoke was thickening, and an evacuation order was in effect. What set Betty apart was not just her willingness to respond, but also her ability to navigate through the worsening conditions when others could not. She was the only driver, among the three buses dispatched, who successfully reached the community in need.
Calm in the storm
As Terri Harmon, Regional Vice President, described it, the scene was akin to “being in a fire hurricane.” Yet, amid the chaos, Betty remained composed and focused on her mission. Donning an N95 mask for protection against the hazardous air, she methodically began assisting residents onto the bus.
Many residents required mobility assistance amid the powerful winds, but Betty remained steadfast – helping each individual board via the bus’s lift and ensuring they were securely seated for transport.
Going above and beyond
Betty’s heroism extended well beyond the initial evacuation. Once she safely transported the residents to a nearby Atria community out of the fire’s reach, she remained on site to continue helping. Even after the charter bus arrived to take residents to a hotel, Betty used the lift on the Atria Hillcrest bus to assist residents who needed additional support into the vehicle.
For two hours, Betty navigated bumper-to-bumper evacuation traffic to reach the hotel only 16 miles away. Her workday, which had begun that morning, did not conclude until after she had ensured all residents were safely settled into the hotel for the night.
Even after the immediate danger had passed, Betty’s dedication remained steadfast. The following day, she visited the Sheraton Hotel – where the evacuees had been relocated – to check on their well-being.
A new home away from home
While Betty was on the ground ensuring safe transport, Atria’s corporate team was hard at work behind the scenes to ensure residents had a comfortable place to stay. They transformed the nearby Sheraton Hotel into a fully equipped temporary residence, arranging for essential supplies, including wheelchairs, shower chairs and oxygen, while also securing designated memory care areas to maintain continuity of care. A 58-passenger charter bus remained on standby throughout the evacuation, ensuring the community was prepared for any further developments.
Despite the challenges, residents maintained a sense of normalcy. Social activities, exercise programs and daily routines continued, providing stability and reassurance during a stressful time.
The power of preparation
This successful evacuation underscored the importance of Atria’s emergency preparedness training. As Harmon explained, “Atria’s annual wildfire training is invaluable. As soon as it’s available, I complete it immediately. We review every detail and ensure that each team member understands their role and responsibilities.”
Such rigorous preparation creates what Harmon describes as “muscle memory,” enabling the team to respond swiftly and effectively when it matters most.
A true leader
Betty embodies the dedication, compassion and leadership that define excellence in senior living. Her actions during the Palisades Fire serve as a powerful reminder of how one person’s courage and commitment can change lives.
As Harmon expressed, “She was truly heroic in a time of crisis. She stayed calm, caring, confident, strong and brave. Betty is our hero. Lives were saved because of her.”
You might also like
Want to learn more about life at Atria Senior Living?
