Story by Beth Bernhardt
Additional photos of this event can be found at this link: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmykLuts
The American Red Cross of Northern Colorado hosted a gala event May 16, 2019 to honor “hometown heroes” who had gone above and beyond to save life and property in the community.
It takes great individuals to step up and literally fight the flames to save lives, property, homes, livestock and more. One such individual is Sgt. Charles Cummins of the United States Army. Sgt. Cummins answered the call to volunteer during the Spring Creek fire in July 2018. He sacrificed his time with family and his civilian career to support Colorado’s efforts to mobilize, support and assist multiple state agencies.
He provided military operational aid to civilian authorities to protect civilian life and property while also ensuring that law and order were adhered to during this highly emotional time. Sgt. Cummins provided entry and traffic control point security measures, evacuation area escorts as well as mobile and static security patrols during the state emergency. His nominator explained “…Sgt. Cummins’ initiative and selfless service speaks volumes not only to his character as a soldier, but also to his dedication to the communities of the great State of Colorado.”
Another hero, Brett Riemenschneider was on his way to Greeley to meet his parents for dinner when he saw a car stopped on U.S. 34. The driver wasn’t pulled over on the shoulder of the busy highway, but parked, hazard lights on, in the right lane. He then mentioned to his wife what an absolutely terrible place to be broken down. He saw the driver reach across to unbuckle her seat belt to get out. Before she could exit her vehicle, she was hit from behind. Time slowed as Brett watched the car, going roughly 65 MPH, plow into the back of the women’s car, sending both across the intersection in flames. Firefighters later thought the vehicle’s fuel tank ruptured upon impact.
Brett had never been trained as a first responder, but he has completed hours of Occupational Safety and Health Administration training for his work in the oil and gas industry, and he credits his training for being able to respond. He knew there was at least one person unaccounted for… the driver of the stalled vehicle. He saw her unconscious in the burning car and was determined to get her out. He and two other gentlemen jumped in and pulled her to safety. Three strangers worked together in an inferno to save Christine Olson, a 35 year-old mother of three. Though severely injured, she was alive thanks to the heroic efforts of these three men.
The final community hero is Isaac Favela, a brave 13 year-old from Greeley Colorado. Isaac was enjoying an afternoon at a local waterslide park when he noticed a young girl in the water in obvious distress. Without a second thought, he jumped into the water to pull the young girl to safety and to the nearest lifeguard for life saving assistance. The 10-year old girl had inhaled water and was temporarily unable to breathe. Isaac’s quick thinking got the young girl the CPR she needed to cough up the water and begin breathing again. In response to the actions of the youth, Greeley Fire Department Lt. Rich Waidler said “…If not for the actions of young Isaac, the outcome could have been much worse.”
The Northern Colorado American Red Cross would like to thank their community heroes… lives are saved every day because of the strength and fearlessness shown by people just like these. If you would like to donate to the American Red Cross, go to www.redcross.org/donate.