At the American Legion Department of Colorado Mid-year Conference, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s Deputy Tammy Bozarth and Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department’s Casey Venafro …
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At the American Legion Department of Colorado Mid-year Conference, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s Deputy Tammy Bozarth and Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department’s Casey Venafro were awarded with Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter of the year.
The American Legion is an organization of veterans who are dedicated to preserving America’s freedoms and believes national security must be maintained to fulfill the mandate for a strong national defense.
The Legion is organized into local Posts, county and area districts, departments for each state and the National American Legion.
Each year, Posts work with local Police and Fire Departments to nominate candidates for Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter of the Year.
In late January, the American Legion Harry C. Miller Post 1187 Castle Rock awardees Bozarth and Venafro won at the district and department level for Colorado.
According to Christopher Desmond, Jr. Vice Commander of the American Legion Harry C. Miller Post 1187, the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award is presented to a well-rounded law enforcement officer who has exceeded the duty requirements of their position. The officer has also shown a pattern of community service, professional achievements and heroic acts.
Deputy Bozarth was awarded Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
“Receiving the Police Officer of the Year award from the American Legion was such an honor,“ said Bozarth. “It was very humbling to be in the same room with so many heroes that served our country. I’m truly grateful to the American Legion.”
Bozarth has served the citizens of Douglas County for 19 years. In the summer of 2022, Bozarth became the county’s first HEART (Homeless Engagement Assistance Team) Member, where she is currently serving.
Bozarth looks forward to continuing to serve the community as she is inspired by the compassion, partnership and support that is given to law enforcement.
Another award was given to Harry C. Miller Post 1187. Castle Rock Fire and Rescue’s Casey Venafro was awarded Firefighter of the Year.
Before joining the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department in 2011, Venafro graduated from Colorado Mountain College and enlisted in the United States Army following the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Venafro went on to serve overseas in combat zones during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
As his military career ended in 2008, Venafro enrolled in Pikes Peak Community College Fire Science program and graduated in 2010.
“The fire service is a huge part of my life and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve,” said Venafro.
Since becoming a firefighter/EMT in Castle Rock, Venafro has been involved in the Wildland Team, Special Operations Team (Ice Rescue) Acting Engineer and the Public Education Team.
“One of the things I love most about being a firefighter is that I can make my family proud,” said Venafro. “My wife and son are absolutely the most important things in my life, so to have them feel good about what I do is super important to me. I like to teach my son to do what is right and leave this place better than he found it, so to be about to live that out for him is priceless.”
To be singled out among a group of Castle Rock Fire and Rescue men and women and receive such an award was a great honor according to Venafro.
“I am thankful that I could do my small part among so many firemen and women to bring a potentially dangerous situation to a safe conclusion,” said Venafro. “As with all things we do in the fire service, we achieve nothing alone.”
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