HONORS

achievements and heroic acts.

Deputy Bozarth is the 2023 winner.

“Receiving the Police O cer 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 rst 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.

Castle Rock Fire and Rescue’s Casey Venafro was awarded Fire ghter 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.

“ e re service is a huge part of my life and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve,” said Venafro.

Since becoming a re ghter/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 re ghter is that I can make my family proud,” said Venafro. “My wife and son are ab- solutely 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 remen and women to bring a potentially dangerous situation to a safe conclusion,” said Venafro. “As with all things we do in the re service, we achieve nothing alone.”