Four firefighters including Captain Narek Babayan, Engineer Greg Blikian, firefighter Vatche Margoussian and firefighter Shant Barin were honored by the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian on Sunday, May 4, 2025 during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. Leon (Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral in Burbank.

The Diocesan Primate commended the bravery with which they battled the devastating fires which destroyed nearly 9000 homes and structures and left thousands homeless earlier this year. “Today, we are humbled to extend our deep gratitude to the firefighters of the City of Glendale for their heroic acts,” stated His Eminence. "You are the embodiment of selflessness and courage," he continued.

A donation from the Western Diocese to the Glendale Fire Foundation in support of the department’s mission was presented to the firefighters during the service.