At Atria Senior Living, team members are essential to the safety, comfort and lives of the residents they serve. When wildfires broke out near one of our Southern California communities, it was a team member’s quick action that helped keep everyone safe. Meet Betty Murrell, a driver at Atria Hillcrest, whose response during a crisis shows exactly what it means to grow your purpose with Atria.
Answering the call to serve
On January 7, 2025, when a wildfire threatened Atria Park of Pacific Palisades, nearby communities were called in for support. Betty Murrell, a driver from Atria Hillcrest, didn’t hesitate. She stepped up, took the wheel and headed directly into the danger zone.
While multiple drivers were dispatched, only Betty was able to safely reach the site. Her determination and ability to stay composed under pressure were critical in getting residents to safety.
Thriving under pressure
The scene was intense – “like being in a fire hurricane,” said Terri Harmon, Regional Vice President. But Betty’s calm professionalism never wavered. With an N95 mask and a steady hand, she helped mobility-challenged residents safely onto the bus and made sure each one was secure for the ride out.
Her focus and poise brought peace of mind to both residents and fellow team members.
Going the extra mile (and then some)
Betty’s heroism didn’t stop with the initial evacuation. Once she got the residents safely to a nearby Atria community away from the fire, she stuck around to keep helping. When the charter bus arrived to take everyone to a hotel, Betty used the lift on the Atria Hillcrest bus to help residents who needed extra support to board.
For two hours, Betty navigated through bumper-to-bumper evacuation traffic just to travel 16 miles to the hotel. Her workday, which started early that morning, didn’t wrap up until she made sure all residents were comfortably settled in for the night.
But Betty’s dedication didn’t end there. The very next morning, she visited the Sheraton Hotel – where the evacuees were staying – to check on how everyone was doing.
Support behind every action
While Betty was leading the evacuation, Atria’s corporate team was working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure residents had everything they needed. From securing medical equipment to maintaining memory care support, they turned a hotel into a safe, welcoming temporary home.
Through it all, Atria continued lifestyle programming – exercise, social events and daily routines – to maintain a sense of normalcy for residents.
Training that empowers you
What made this coordinated response possible? Preparation. At Atria, emergency response training is taken seriously – and it makes a real difference.
“Atria’s annual wildfire training is invaluable,” said Harmon. “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.”
It’s that kind of readiness that empowers team members like Betty to take decisive action in critical moments.
Leadership that inspires
Because of her courage, Betty was awarded the 2025 Argentum Hero Awards’ Emergency Response Leadership Award – a national recognition of individuals who lead with strength and compassion during emergencies.
“She was truly heroic in a time of crisis,” said Harmon. “She stayed calm, caring, confident, strong and brave. Betty is our hero. Lives were saved because of her.”
Discover a career where you make a difference
At Atria, you’re not just doing a job – you’re part of something meaningful. Our team members are supported, celebrated and given room to grow. Whether you’re a care provider, driver, chef, nurse or housekeeper, your role matters here.
If you’re looking for a workplace where your efforts change lives every day – we’d love to welcome you to the Atria team.