Locals who went above and beyond to save lives were celebrated in Grand Junction, Colorado, as the Grand Junction Fire Department (GJFD) hosted an awards and recognition ceremony. The event, held at Fire Station 1, acknowledged firefighters, community members, and local businesses that played a crucial role in life-saving efforts.
Recognizing Heroic Acts in the Community
From first responders to everyday citizens, those who made a difference were honored. One recipient, Bob Besser, a Fruita veterinarian, was recognized for his role in rescuing a horse trapped in a culvert last November.
“The only thing exposed out of the culvert was his front knees and his head,” Besser recalled. “He was not going to be able to get out.”
A coordinated effort between GJFD, Lower Valley Fire District, local business Legacy Sign and Neon, and other community members ensured the horse’s safe rescue. The animal made a full recovery, and Besser expressed his gratitude for the recognition.
“I’m going to hang this on the wall at the vet clinic in Fruita,” he said. “I am excited about it and very thankful to the fire department for recognizing this.”
Firefighter’s Quick Thinking Prevents Disaster
One firefighter, identified as Lawyer, was honored for an unexpected act of heroism. Responding to what was assumed to be a routine medical alarm, he and his team arrived at a residence in the early hours of the morning—only to discover the house was on fire.
“Typically, a medical alarm just means somebody fell and hit their life alert,” Lawyer explained. “It [was] 2:00 in the morning, so it [was] dark, and whenever we showed up, we found the house [was] actually on fire instead.”
The team acted swiftly, evacuating the homeowner and extinguishing the flames before they spread further. Despite the recognition, Lawyer remained humble.
“It’s really cool to be recognized by the department and the people that we work with here,” he said. “But it’s certainly not what we come here to do. Guys run very critical calls, stressful calls all the time that go unnoticed.”
A Community Effort Worth Celebrating
The awards ceremony underscored the collaborative spirit of Grand Junction, where individuals from different backgrounds step up in times of crisis. The fire department’s recognition of these efforts not only honored the heroes but also highlighted the importance of community involvement in emergency situations.
Whether it was a veterinarian rescuing an animal in distress or a firefighter turning a routine call into a life-saving mission, these stories serve as reminders of the bravery and dedication present in the local community.
