Golden Firefighter Receives National Heroism Award

Golden, CO - Volunteer Firefighter Engineer Doug Holschbach recently received Firehouse Magazine’s Heroism and Community Service Award for his actions in a lifesaving effort regarding the rescue of a 16-year-old victim who nearly drowned in Clear Creek on July 2, 2007.

Holschbach spotted the victim in Clear Creek as he was responding to the Fire Station and entered the water without benefit of any personal protective equipment. Holschbach pulled the unconscious victim out of the swift water and performed resuscitative measures, saving his life.

Golden Fire Chief John Bales nominated Holschbach for the award.

“Doug’s actions are an example of going above and beyond in a situation where a life is on the line,” said Bales.

For his act of heroism, Holschbach also received the Golden Fire Department’s Medal of Honor and an award from the Aurora Fire Department where he is employed full-time.  The Firehouse Magazine Heroism and Community Service awards program takes pride in honoring and highlighting outstanding firefighters across the nation for their acts of bravery and wishes to commend them for putting their lives on the line everyday.