Two Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office employees received lifesaving medals from Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich during the Chaffee County Commissioners meeting on 09-02-25. The two employees receiving recognition were Sergeant Dakoda DeFurio and Deputy Kevin McCloskey.
On June 22nd, 2025 the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center was notified of a female party who was going through a mental crisis situation and threatening to jump off a bridge in Chaffee County.
Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Dakoda DeFurio responded to the scene along with other deputies from the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Buena Vista Police Department.
When on scene, Sergeant DeFurio observed the female party move under the bridge as she began to remove clothing and threw them down into the river below. Sergeant DeFurio maintained his distance from the female party in an attempt not to force her to jump.
Sergeant DeFurio then observed the female party position her hand on the top rail of the bridge at which time he was able to sneak close to her and grab her hand just as she jumped. Sergeant DeFurio was able to maintain his grip of the female party holding all of her body weight long enough for the other officers to come aid him pulling her back to safety. Sergeant DeFurio received minor injuries during the rescue.
Sergeant DeFurio took advantage of his extensive training and placed his own welfare in jeopardy to save the life of someone in distress. Sergeant DeFurio’s quick calculated actions, without delay, have aided a family’s ability to spend more time with their daughter. His actions also led to this young lady’s ability to receive the treatment that she needs to move on in life, in peace, and to recognize that she is loved. Putting the wellbeing of others above oneself is the true definition of a hero.
On August 19th, 2025 the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center was notified of a female party who was unconscious and not breathing due to an apparent fentanyl overdose in Chaffee County.
Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kevin McCloskey overheard the call for service and immediately responded. Deputy McCloskey was the first emergency responder to arrive on scene and found frantic family members trying to help the female party. The female was blue, lying on the ground, had no pulse and not breathing.
Deputy McCloskey administered a dose of Narcan to the patient which was initially unsuccessful and he began performing CPR life saving measures. After performing CPR for several minutes Deputy McCloskey administered another dose of Narcan and continued CPR. After a few more moments the female party began regaining consciousness and started communicating with Deputy McCloskey. Emergency Medical Services then arrived on scene and continued to treat the patient who completely regained consciousness and refused transportation to the hospital.
Deputy McCloskey’s extensive training and quick diagnosis of the emergency gave this female another chance at life. The overdose certainly may have provided her the rock bottom she needed but Deputy McCloskey provided her the opportunity of new life and delivered hope to her family of a successful road to recovery.
Deputy McCloskey has continued to prove himself as a gift to public safety and the citizens of Chaffee County.
