Chaffee County Deputy Honored With Inaugural “Hometown Hero Award”

A deputy with the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office has been recognized by the United States Attorney’s Office for his life-saving rescue efforts.

Deputy Donnie Smith received the inaugural “Hometown Hero Award” in recognition of multiple rescue missions conducted during his service with the sheriff’s office.

One of those rescues took place in November 2022, when Deputy Smith assisted in the rescue of a woman who fell nearly 500 feet down an ice field while climbing Mount Yale. Smith was flown into the area by helicopter and remained with the injured woman overnight, tending to her injuries and helping prevent frostbite until she could be airlifted out the following day.

Deputy Smith was also recognized for another rescue in October 2024 involving a hiker on La Plata Peak who suffered severe injuries after a fall.

During yesterday’s ceremony, Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich praised Smith’s dedication and leadership.

“When I think of the word hero, I immediately picture Deputy Smith,” Rohrich said. “Whenever a job is too difficult for the rest of us, Deputy Smith steps in to accomplish the mission.”