Colorado State Parks Group Honors Local Hero with Life Saving Award

***Colorado State Parks Press Release***


ORCHARD, CO. – The Colorado State Parks Employee Protective Association (CSPEPA) will present Jon Jones, a local resident and long time farmer, with the Life Saving Award on Oct. 19 for saving a woman’s life on April 4, 2011.

Jones was tending to his farming duties and checking fences when he saw a car in an irrigation ditch near Morgan County Roads 4 and Y.5. The vehicle was not visible from the roadway and was partially submerged in the water, upside down. Jones called 911 and began searching the wreckage for any passengers.

One female passenger was trapped inside. Several agencies responded to the incident including Colorado State Parks, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, the Wiggins Fire Department, the Colorado State Patrol, the Morgan County Ambulance, and Air Life Colorado.
While rescue efforts were being made to extricate the victim from the vehicle, Jones left for his farm, about a mile away, and returned with a front loading tractor and a large chain. Jones was able to lift the vehicle from the water and allow EMS personnel access into the passenger compartment. The accident had occurred 15 hours prior to Jones locating the vehicle. Due to his sharp eye and quick actions, the woman’s life was saved.

Jones will receive his award on Wednesday, Oct. 19, during a regional meeting of park managers at the Jackson Lake State Park Visitor Center.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife gets everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.