Heroes Who Serve: 5 First Responders Keeping Colorado Safe

Colorado is home to dedicated first responders who go above and beyond to keep their communities safe. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight EMTs, firefighters and police officers who are making a difference every day.

Check out five outstanding Colorado first responders who are making an impact. And if you know a hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate a first responder for a chance to be featured in our Heroes Who Serve series on Patch!

Deputy Ryan Weiner (Centennial) — Responding to a domestic dispute in 2023, Deputy Weiner of the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office encountered Vicki, a 71-year-old great-grandmother caring for her two great-grandchildren, ages 8 and 10. Vicki explained that an argument arose when her boyfriend consumed the last two hot dogs in the house, leaving the children hungry. Moved by their situation, Deputy Weiner went to a nearby store and purchased groceries, including eggs, milk and chicken, to ensure the family had food. This compassionate act, captured on body-worn camera footage, highlights Deputy Weiner's empathy and dedication to serving his community. Read more here.

Officer Pablo Cervantes (Aurora) — While responding to a distress call at an apartment complex in 2025, Officer Pablo Cervantes encountered a resident who had been overcharged on her rent, leaving her unable to afford essential medications, groceries and utility bills. Recognizing her immediate needs and lack of support, Cervantes personally provided financial assistance and took her grocery shopping. Drawing from his own experiences growing up in an immigrant family facing financial hardships, he empathized deeply with her situation. His compassionate actions exemplify a commitment to community service and highlight the profound impact of empathy in law enforcement. Read more here.

EMT Annie Dorchak (Evergreen) — Since joining Evergreen Fire Rescue in 2007, Annie Dorchak has been a driving force behind the success of the ECARES program, which helps residents age safely at home while reducing unnecessary 911 calls and hospital visits. Recognizing the need for community paramedics, she expanded the program to serve Evergreen’s elderly population and has since become a statewide leader in developing similar initiatives for other EMS and fire agencies. Beyond creating life-changing local services, Dorchak has united agencies through a collaborative committee, sharing protocols and strategies to improve community healthcare. Her dedication, mentorship and expertise have made her a trusted advocate for both patients and first responders, solidifying her reputation as a pioneer in the field and a worthy recipient of the 2024 Community Paramedic of the Year Award. Read more here.

EMT Courtney “Coco” Wham (Denver) — A dedicated paramedic since 2017, Courtney “Coco” Wham received the 2024 Robert Marlin ALS Professional-of-the-Year Award. Wham has gone above and beyond in her commitment to emergency medicine, balancing her work in street-level care, pre-hospital research and tactical EMS while completing medical school. She recently expanded her impact by training as a firefighter with Byers Fire and Rescue, furthering her ability to serve the community in high-stakes situations. Beyond her fieldwork, Wham is a passionate educator, mentoring future paramedics and volunteering at the DAWN Clinic to provide healthcare for uninsured patients. Known for her compassion, leadership and tireless pursuit of excellence, she continues to uplift her colleagues and advocate for the most vulnerable, leaving a lasting impact on Colorado’s EMS system. Read more here.

EMT-B Levi New (Pitkin) — Levi New received the 2024 BLS EMS Professional-of-the-Year Award as a member of the Pitkin Volunteer Fire Department, As the only certified EMT in the remote Pitkin and Ohio City area, New serves as the community’s first and often only responder for medical emergencies, sometimes waiting 30 minutes or more for backup to arrive. Balancing his full-time job as a carpenter, New remains on call 24/7, personally monitoring emergency alerts and rushing to the fire station to activate the town’s alarm system when 911 calls come in. His dedication extends beyond Pitkin, as he frequently drives to Gunnison to assist Gunnison Valley Health EMS when their ambulances are fully deployed. Through his tireless commitment and leadership, New has ensured life-saving medical care reaches his rural community, proving himself an invaluable and heroic figure in Colorado’s emergency response network. Read more here.

We’re fortunate in Colorado to have first responders like these working tirelessly to keep us safe. If you know a local hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch!