April 21, 2016 VO LUM E 29 | IS S U E 22 | FREE
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Keeping eyes, and minds, on the road CDOT highlights growing problem of distracted driving By Tom Skelley tskelley@colorado communitymedia.com Nicolle Dowling of Centennial knows her distracted driving is a problem.
“I’m aware of it, but I need to do a better job of not doing it,” Dowling said. “Having the phone in my hand, whether it be for texting, talking, using navigation apps, getting information or just thinking I need to get information” — those are the things she sometimes does behind the wheel other than watching the road.
Dowling, 38, isn’t alone. A 2015 Colorado Department of Transportation survey shows one in four drivers admitted to reading a text message while behind the wheel during the previous week. The numbers are even higher for other forms of distraction, including eating.
Texting is among the many ways motorists become distracted. Shutterstock image
Distracted continues on Page 5
Therapy center for youths moves in Children’s Hospital Colorado facility has more room than former Littleton location By Alex DeWind adewind@coloradocommunitymedia.com
The year-long Fire Science Program prepares students to find jobs as firefighters and paramedics after graduation. Photos by Mike DiFerdinando
Son follows in firefighting footsteps 14 students take part in fire science program By Mike DiFerdinando mdiferdinando@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Evan Davros and his father Tom got the chance to fight a simulated fire together April 11.
For ThunderRidge High School senior Evan Davros, walking into a burning building with his father has always been a dream. He got his chance April 11 as part of the culmination of his time in the Douglas County Fire Science program. Davros and other students fought a simulated fire at the South Metro Fire Rescue Training Center in Parker. “It’s cool having my dad there,” Davros said. “It’s kind of surreal really. I grew up in the firehouse. I would see him go on calls and stuff, and now to actually be there is fantastic.” Davros’ father, Tom, is a firefighter for South Metro. He has worked as a
firefighter for 18 years and as an EMT for 20. “The firehouse is all he’s ever known since he was an infant,” said Evan’s mom, Tina. “We would do the kid swap at the firehouse. My husband would be getting off and I would be going to work. That’s where he grew up.” Davros was part of the year-long course run through Rock Canyon High School and in conjunction with South Metro Fire, Littleton Fire Rescue and the Douglas County School District. This year’s program consisted of 14 students from six different high schools: Rock Canyon, ThunderRidge, Mountain Vista, Douglas County and Legend. There were also two students from Arapahoe High School in Littleton. Students learn emergency medical care, hazmat and ice rescue, as well as traditional firefighting skills.
Noah Leonard, 9, has been going to Children’s Hospital Colorado Therapy Care in Littleton since he was 2. The facility moved from Littleton to Highlands Ranch on April 4, and Noah will continue going twice a week for learning therapy. He and his parents are pleased with the new location, which has “supersized” rooms, playful wall décor and patterned floors. “It’s a lot roomier and more cheerful,” said Noah’s mother, Amy. “He loves everything about it.” Therapy Care, Highlands Ranch, at 9139 Ridgeline Blvd., is part of Children’s Hospital Colorado Pediatric Mental Health Institute. The 27,600-square-foot facility is significantly larger and nicer than its previous location, said senior vice president Suzy Jaeger, chief patient experience and access officer. Children’s continues on Page 11
LOCAL SPORTS ThunderRidge and Castle View face off. PAGE 22
Fire continues on Page 13
Grand Opening Party This Weekend! ColoradoSkinAndVein.com See page 7 for an invitation to our grand opening celebration
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