CENTENNIAL — Each year the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) and the Colorado Emergency Management Association (CEMA) identify leaders that routinely go above and beyond the call of duty throughout Colorado. This year two local residents received well deserved recognition from the six county San Luis Valley all-hazards region. These individuals are Jim Pomeroy, Mineral County, and Christopher Rodriguez, Costilla County.

Jim Pomeroy, after nominations from his peers and local leaders, received two awards this year: the DHSEM San Luis Valley Regional Volunteer of the Year Award and CEMA’s coveted Mike Gelski Award for Community Volunteerism. Pomeroy earned the award as an absolute asset and resource for Mineral County and the San Luis Valley. 

Pomeroy is a member of the local Search and Rescue (SAR) team, Mineral County Ambulance Service, liaison to the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office and a host of other duties and responsibilities.  During the West Fork Fire Complex, Streams Lake Wildfire and many other incidents, searches and emergencies, he has volunteered thousands of hours over 20 years supporting the community, incident management teams, incident command locations, emergency operation centers and sheriff’s office. There isn’t much Pomeroy hasn’t done the community remains grateful.   

Costilla County Emergency Management Director Christopher Rodriguez received the CEMA Emergency Manager of the Year Award for the SLV Region. Rodriguez received this same award last year in 2018 from CEMA for his great work and leadership during the Costilla County snow emergency in addition to a host of other accomplishments. Congratulations him on a job well done. Rodriguez defines the tip of the sword in emergency management by demonstrating both leadership and management skills.  He does this daily and during times of disaster. His dedication, experience and leadership during the 2018 Spring Fire resulted in this commendation.   

Colorado DHSEM San Luis Valley Regional Field Manager David Osborne stated, “We would like to thank Mr. Pomeroy and Mr. Rodriguez for their commitment to the State of Colorado and San Luis Valley Region; individuals like you are the reason most of us hang our hat in this special area of the state.”

Jim Pomeroy