Pictured left to right: Park Resource Technician Tyler Clark, Park Manager Ben Vinci, Park Officer Kennedy Miller, Seasonal Park Officer Catherine Staley (not pictured Seasonal Park Officer Danny Brown and Seasonal Boating Assistant Tyler Sagar)

August 28, 2026
 

Chatfield officers awarded for life-saving care during boating accident response

 

LITTLETON, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers were recognized for life-saving efforts responding to a boating accident at Chatfield State Park. On Friday afternoon, South Metro Fire Rescue first responders and AdventHealth staff awarded six CPW officers for their response during an incident at Chatfield on July 11. Seasonal Park Officer Danny Brown, Park Officer Kennedy Miller, Park Manager Ben Vinci, Park Resource Technician Tyler Clark, Seasonal Park Officer Catherine Staley and Seasonal Boating Assistant Tyler Sagar received certificates and SMFR challenge coins in the recognition ceremony. AdventHealth awarded Trauma Hero plaques to the officers. 

“We are incredibly proud of our team’s swift and decisive actions in a critical moment,” said CPW Deputy Region Manager Scott Roush. “Their dedication to serving the public and their commitment to safety truly made a life-saving difference, and we wish the victim a smooth recovery.”  

“The actions taken by responders at Chatfield State Park played an instrumental role in the patient's survival,” reads the certificates. “Thank you, officers, for demonstrating a servant’s heart and providing life-altering care during this emergency.” 

On July 11, park officers responded to a boat on Chatfield Reservoir carrying a man whose leg had been amputated from the mid-calf by a propeller. Technician Clark and Seasonal Officer Staley, in a CPW patrol vessel, escorted the boat to the marina. Officer Miller and Seasonal Officer Brown applied multiple tourniquets to the leg to stop the bleeding and prevent hemorrhaging. Park Manager Vinci assisted in patient care at the marina. Boating Assistant Sagar secured the boat for investigation. 

Once SMFR and West Metro Fire first responders arrived at the scene, they transported the victim to AdventHealth Littleton for further care. The man is undergoing rehabilitation with good progression in recovery. 

Boaters are encouraged to enroll in a safety course before recreating. State law requires at least one life jacket per person on board, with children ages 12 and under required to wear one at all times. When towing a person behind a boat, boaters should raise an orange flag when the person goes into the water to alert nearby boaters. Report boating accidents to CPW using the online incident form. 

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PHOTO CUTLINES:

Top left: South Metro Fire Rescue personnel recognize Chatfield officers for life-saving efforts in boating accident response.
Top right: Officers were awarded certificates and SMFR challenge coins.
Bottom left: South Metro Fire Rescue and AdventHealth Littleton representatives honored the CPW officers in a ceremony Friday afternoon.
Bottom right: AdventHealth awarded officers their "Trauma Hero" recognition for their medical knowledge and efforts.

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