It is not every day that you get to take in the magnitude of Douglas County’s resources all in one place and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the extraordinary work our first responder, fire and rescue heroes do in service to our community. On September 12, more than 550 guests had that opportunity at the Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) third annual Heroes Gala in the Signature Aviation South private jet hangar at Centennial Airport.

The gala raises funds for DCCF and the Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), a resource which can be quickly accessed and distributed to provide direct assistance to the community, nonprofit partners and first responders during catastrophic events affecting Douglas County.

Guests were greeted by mounted patrol officers from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and Parker Police Department. From there, they visited Heroes Row, where more than 20 law enforcement, fire and rescue agencies showcased their life-saving work in various ways. Guests explored the fire equipment, mobile police station and firefighting helicopters, and they witnessed live demonstrations by the DCSO Bomb Squad, K9 Units and SWAT teams.

A ceremonious bagpipe and drum procession led guests into the jet hangar and continued with a spirited live auction where former Denver Bronco Special Teams Captain David Bruton tossed out a signed Super Bowl 50 football and guests bid on unique experiences, including a ride in the Douglas County firefighting helicopter, day in the life of a 911 fire dispatcher, and inside operations of the DCSO K9 Unit and Bomb Squad, among others.

With the support of more than 30 corporate sponsors, donations, online and live auctions, more than $570,000 was raised throughout the event, including a $200,000 match from Douglas County. But the evening was not only about raising money. The gala also honored recipients of the DCCF Hero Awards, which recognize the service and valor of Douglas County first responders, Armed Forces members and community heroes doing transformative work serving people in Douglas County.

Engineer Richie Fleming with the South Metro Fire Rescue received the First Responder Hero Award for his bravery when he was off duty and rescued a driver who lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a pond off the shoulder of C-470 in Douglas County. Without hesitation, Richie rescued the driver from the water and provided initial care until medical crews arrived.

Commander Jim Espinoza of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 4266 in Parker received the Armed Forces Hero Award for his vision, persistence and heart for veterans. Jim has increased membership at the Post by 130% year-over-year. Jim ensures the Post fulfills its mission of supporting veterans, their families and the wider community, guaranteeing that those who served are cared for with dignity and respect.

The Community Hero Award went to Retired Staff Sergeant Michael Connors. Michael serves other veterans through his nonprofit organization, ConnorsK9-P.A.W.S., which trains and provides service dogs for eligible veterans, connects them with other matched veteran/canine teams and provides therapeutic outdoor events for veteran/canine teams. Michael and ConnorsK9-P.A.W.S. were featured in The Connection’s Angels Among Us segment in August.

For more information on the gala, Hero Awards, CERF or DCCF, visit dccf.org.

 

By Sara Goodwin; photos courtesy of Jimmy Dozer Photography