ERIE, Colorado — The Erie Police Department honored four officers for service above and beyond the call of duty, including lifesaving CPR work and a burning-car rescue, according to a June 8 Town of Erie weekly update.
The town said the department recognized Officers Salcedo, Cash, Bastres and DeVito for courage, dedication, teamwork and selfless commitment to the community.
Lifesaving Medal for CPR and AED response
Officers Salcedo and Cash received the Lifesaving Medal for their response to a Dec. 6, 2025 medical emergency involving an unconscious woman who was not breathing and had no pulse, the town reported.
According to the update, Officer Salcedo administered Narcan and began CPR. Officer Cash arrived moments later with an AED and took over chest compressions. The town said their coordinated work under pressure resulted in the woman being successfully revived.
Distinguished Service Cross after burning-car rescue
Officer DeVito received the Distinguished Service Cross for his response to a serious crash on Erie Parkway on Feb. 15, 2026, the town said.
The update said DeVito was among the first officers to arrive and encountered a vehicle engulfed in flames with occupants still inside. The town said he rushed to the vehicle, worked to gain access, removed the driver, helped carry the driver to safety and began lifesaving efforts.
The town reported that the victim ultimately succumbed to their injuries. ThinBlueNews is not adding additional crash details, cause, identity or medical claims beyond the town’s published account.
Police Merit Award for stepping in on a demanding day
Officer Bastres was honored with the Police Merit Award after voluntarily coming in to assist on Feb. 15, 2026, while officers were investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash after already spending several hours on a separate fatal crash, according to the town.
The update said his decision to step forward despite being off duty and having already responded to the earlier incident showed dependability, teamwork and selfless service to fellow officers and the community.
Why it matters
For Support Law Enforcement readers, the Erie awards show several different kinds of public-safety work in one local department: CPR and AED use, rushing toward a burning vehicle, and quietly backing up other officers during long fatal-crash investigations.
The story also avoids sensationalizing the fatal crash. The public record here is the town’s recognition of the officers’ actions, not a reconstruction of the crash or the victim’s private medical details.
Sources reviewed
- Town of Erie weekly update, “Erie Police Department Honors Officers” section
- Town of Erie source photo: Police Merit Award
- Town of Erie source photo: Lifesaving Medal
- Town of Erie source photo: Distinguished Service Cross
Editorial note: This article is based on the Town of Erie’s published update. ThinBlueNews used official source photos from the town update with attribution and did not create a fake incident image.
