Joel B. Pollak, senior editor at Breitbart News, was awarded the “Hero Award” by the Pali Strong Foundation on Tuesday. This recognition came for his reporting and support to the Palisades community during a recent fire.
The award ceremony took place at a Foundation-sponsored event for Pacific Palisades residents, held at the Santa Monica Pier, and was attended by various community members, including first responders.
When the fire erupted on January 7th, Pollak, a resident of Palisades, evacuated his family and returned the following day to document the disaster and assist residents in finding information about their homes. For several days after, he worked alongside neighbors to extinguish smaller fires, just as they had helped him.
Pollak reported on the fire nearly every day for weeks and was among the local residents who met with President Donald Trump at the nearby fire station in January. The president emphasized the need for a “special master” to ensure fair distribution of federal relief funds.
Lawrence Vein, executive director of the Pali Strong Foundation, commented on the awards:
The Hero Awards celebrate the incredible spirit of our community. In the face of unimaginable tragedy, residents stepped up to support one another. When the fire hit, it wasn’t only the first responders who acted; everyday people—parents, teens, retirees—delivered supplies, offered shelter, checked on vulnerable neighbors, and formed the backbone of a resilient community response.
This ceremony highlighted these individuals first and foremost. True heroism is not defined by titles, but by actions. We also acknowledged the vital work of first responders, the organizations that kept us informed, and the elected officials who worked across party lines for recovery.
At its core, this is about unity—a community where neighbors help each other, strangers become family, and everyone stands together. We must embrace this pivotal moment.
Pollak’s home withstood the fire, whereas Jon Kahn, COO of Breitbart News, was severely affected. Five days later, Kahn learned the fire was still threatening near Pollak’s home, helping protect it once more.
Many residents of Pacific Palisades are still displaced across Los Angeles, facing ongoing challenges, yet most are determined to rebuild and return to their homes.
Breitbart News remains committed to covering all facets of the fire and recovery, including the struggles with insurance companies and the political challenges as reconstruction efforts are set in motion.
