2 Arvada Press
August 5, 2021
Arvada parks worker dies Joe Herrin passes away six days after lake accident STAFF REPORT
The city of Arvada announced July 28 that its parks employee, who was injured after his rideon mower tipped into a lake, has died. Joe Herrin, a parks maintenance worker who has been with the city since May 2018, was using the mower near the edge of Birdland Lake at Jack B. Tomlinson Park on July 22 when the accident occurred. According to a statement by the city, the Arvada Fire Protection District (AFPD) and the Arvada Police Department responded to the accident, and were able to extricate Herrin from the water. AFPD provided advanced life support and transported Mr. Herrin with lights and sirens to Lutheran Medical Center where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. Herrin died of his injuries on the morning of July 28.
“These have been painful and sad times for the City of Arvada, our team members and citizens,” said Arvada Mayor Marc Williams. “We are further saddened by the death of Joe Herrin, who was a valued member of our City team. We offer our sincere condolences to his wife and family, and his teammates and friends.” The statement from City Hall says Arvada “remains committed to the safety and well being of our team and providing a safe space for people to work.” The police department is investigating the accident, and the city plans an internal workplace safety assessment to prevent similar accidents. Herrin’s family has set up a GoFundMe to cover his medical expenses. “When something like this happens,” said Arvada Communications Manager Ben Irwin, “we do a full review to evaluate, learn and make sure it doesn’t happen again. That process is just beginning. We will share additional information as we do so, but also navigating supporting Joe’s family. We are committed to sharing updates as we can do that.”
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SCHOOLS FROM PAGE 1
The district’s communication to families said JCPH has indicated that they will strictly enforce quarantine guidelines for COVID exposure, requiring quarantines for classroom exposure to anyone unvaccinated and not wearing a mask. This policy would have major implications for students under 12, who are not eligible for vaccination. Students aged 12 and above (generally, grades 7 through 12), are strongly encouraged to wear masks if unvaccinated, and masks are recommended for vaccinated students in alignment with the guidance from JCPH. “We strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to get the vaccine as soon as possible and if not vaccinated to consistently wear a mask while in school,” the district’s email to families said. If the COVID case count in Jeffco reduces to 35/100,000 per current Colorado Department of
Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) guidelines and/or the vaccine becomes available for children under age 12, current district protocols are subject to change. As of July 30, the Jeffco case count was 77/100,000, an increase of 300% in positive COVID-19 test results from July 19. Jeffco Public Schools staff (all schools and departments) will be required to notify the district of their vaccination status by Aug. 16. If a staff member is unvaccinated, they will be required to wear a mask indoors at all district facilities. Vaccinated staff are also recommended to wear a mask in alignment with the guidance from JCPH. Visitors will be required to wear masks in all facilities as well. Other prevention measures like hand washing, sanitizing and social distancing will remain in effect as well. Students interested in 100% online learning for 2021-22 may consider attending the Jeffco Remote Learning Program, which is open for enrollment until Aug. 12.
CORRECTION The July 29 edition of the Arvada Press included an article with the headline ‘Last surviving Ralston Crossing structure slated for demolition’ which contained a factual error; Frank McQuiston committed suicide by morphine overdose, not a gunshot as was stated in the article. Additionally,
the Arvada Historical Society operates Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is closed on Sundays. The Arvada Press regrets this error. To report any corrections or clarifications please call 303-5664129 or email gwallace@coloradocommunitymedia.com.
