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Craig police officer receives state recognition

Cpl. Edwards receives CPPA award for actions during February Craig home fire

Joe Moylan
Cpl. Mike Edwards, left, was presented Sept. 8 with the Colorado Police Protective Association's annual Life Saving Award by CPPA President Ben Leach. Edwards was recognized by the state organization for his efforts Feb. 7 in removing a Craig resident from a burning home.
Courtesy Photo

Quotable

“I think it’s worthwhile to note this is the second statewide organization to recognize the efforts (Edwards) took to try to save a life. I’m extremely proud of him and the other officers at the scene, and I think it speaks very highly of the caliber of officers we have on the department.”

Craig Police Chief Walt Vanatta

Quotable

“I think it’s worthwhile to note this is the second statewide organization to recognize the efforts (Edwards) took to try to save a life. I’m extremely proud of him and the other officers at the scene, and I think it speaks very highly of the caliber of officers we have on the department.”

Craig Police Chief Walt Vanatta

A Craig Police Department officer has received state recognition for his actions while serving in the line of duty.



Cpl. Mike Edwards was presented Sept. 8 with the Colorado Police Protective Association’s Life Saving Award during the CPPA’s annual conference in Colorado Springs.

The CPPA Life Saving Award is only presented to one officer each calendar year.



Edwards was chosen out of a pool of nominees from across Colorado for his efforts Feb. 7 in removing a male Craig resident from a burning home near Woodbury Park.

This is the second award Edwards has received from a State of Colorado organization.

In May Edwards, along with Sgt. Corey Wagner and Officer Lance Eldridge, were recognized in May as Officers of the Year by the Colorado Law Enforcement Officers Association.

Wagner and Eldridge also responded to the scene Feb. 7 and played an instrumental role in pulling the local man out of the burning home.

“I think it’s worthwhile to note this is the second statewide organization to recognize the efforts (Edwards) took to try to save a life,” said Craig Police Chief Walt Vanatta. “I’m extremely proud of him and the other officers at the scene, and I think it speaks very highly of the caliber of officers we have on the department.”

After the man was removed from the burning structure he was rushed to The Memorial Hospital of Craig, where he died three days later.

“Unfortunately, due to the health complications of the gentleman, he did not make it, but that was not for the officers to determine,” said Sgt. John Forgay. “They did what they felt they had to do and Mike did the outstanding part of entering the building at great hazard to himself.

“I think the award is greatly deserved. I can’t say enough, he did an amazing thing.”

Joe Moylan can be reached at 875-1794 or jmoylan@craigdailypress.com.


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