The life-saving attempts of two young men were honored March 3
with the West Metro Fire Rescue’s 911 Life Saving award.
Devin Barnhart, 23, and Jeremy McCarroll, 20, went into a
burning house in Roxborough last August to try to save their
friends. McCarroll, however, died along with his two friends
inside.
His medal was accepted by McCarroll’s brother, Nate, 19, on his
sibling’s behalf. The two were only a year apart, and grew up very
close, participating in sports and boy scouts together.
“He is my hero,” Nate told his friends.
Patricia McCarroll, Nate and Jeremy’s mother, said that about
300 people attended the award ceremony at the Lakewood Cultural
Center.
“I know I will see Jeremy again, and this is just a short
interruption,” she said. She commended the moral character of Devin
and her son, Jeremy, from being raised in Christian homes and also
from their Boy Scout involvement.
Barnhart was burned over 70 percent of his body, including his
face, arms and head. After being released from University of
Colorado Hospital in February, for treatment of his burns, Barnhart
returned to Red Rocks Community College to study digital
photography.
“He is truly a remarkable, humble young man,” Patricia McCarroll
said of Devin.
Firefighters said McCarroll’s body was found near Joey Shedron,
22, and Shedron’s girlfriend, Amber Jeffers, 18, all of whom died
of smoke inhalation.
According to Patricia McCarroll, Jeffer’s mother presented the
awards and told Barnhart, “Your instincts kicked in and you ran
into a burning house without any regard for your own well-being.
That is a remarkably brave person.”
Barnhart said he may consider becoming a firefighter after this
experience.
“I’m continuing to move and live my life to the fullest for my
friends who couldn’t,” he added.
“Devin wants to commend the burn center, and the actions of
everybody who prayed for him,” Patricia McCarroll said. “He
understands that God doesn’t do these things to punish us. It is
how we respond these things.”
Douglas County Sheriff David Weaver also was at the ceremony,
and presented the two heroes with “a beautiful plaque,” Patricia
McCarroll said.
