Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
It’s an honor to be able to recognize our citizens whose quick thinking and bravery directly help our crews and impact the community we serve. We were able to do that this week, as South Metro Fire Rescue honored Chris Buechel and Mckinley Smith with a Citizen Award for their life-saving actions on August 24, 2025.
While hiking at Daniels Park in Sedalia, Chris and Mckinley heard the cries of a hiker in distress. They immediately searched the remote area and found a hiker who had fallen 20–30 feet, and was injured and alone. They contacted 911 without delay, providing precise details about the hiker’s location, terrain, and safest access points, allowing dispatchers to guide South Metro Fire Rescue crews and Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies to the patient quickly and efficiently. The incident required a complex 150 foot rope rescue by SMFR's Technical Rescue Team.
With storms approaching and temperatures dropping, the park was largely emptying out. Without Chris and Mckinley’s intervention, the hiker would not have been found and likely would have perished. Their vigilance and decisive actions were critical in saving his life.
South Metro Fire Rescue extends its deepest gratitude to Chris and Mckinley for their courage and selfless actions, which exemplify the true spirit of community and civic responsibility.
Assigned Units: District Chief 1, Battalion Chief 5, Ladder 34, Engine 39, Engine 44, Tower 45, Medic 34, Medic 44, MED1, Safety 1, PIO 12, PIO 14
It’s an honor to be able to recognize our citizens whose quick thinking and bravery directly help our crews and impact the community we serve. We were able to do that this week, as South Metro Fire Rescue honored Chris Buechel and Mckinley Smith with a Citizen Award for their life-saving actions on August 24, 2025.
While hiking at Daniels Park in Sedalia, Chris and Mckinley heard the cries of a hiker in distress. They immediately searched the remote area and found a hiker who had fallen 20–30 feet, and was injured and alone. They contacted 911 without delay, providing precise details about the hiker’s location, terrain, and safest access points, allowing dispatchers to guide South Metro Fire Rescue crews and Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies to the patient quickly and efficiently. The incident required a complex 150 foot rope rescue by SMFR's Technical Rescue Team.
With storms approaching and temperatures dropping, the park was largely emptying out. Without Chris and Mckinley’s intervention, the hiker would not have been found and likely would have perished. Their vigilance and decisive actions were critical in saving his life.
South Metro Fire Rescue extends its deepest gratitude to Chris and Mckinley for their courage and selfless actions, which exemplify the true spirit of community and civic responsibility.
Assigned Units: District Chief 1, Battalion Chief 5, Ladder 34, Engine 39, Engine 44, Tower 45, Medic 34, Medic 44, MED1, Safety 1, PIO 12, PIO 14
