Windsor Man to Receive National Heroism Medal for Saving Woman in 2025

##UPDATE - March 25, 2026

On March 24, 2026, it was announced that Judd Bronson would be one of only 18 people across America to be receiving the annual Carnegie Medal of Freedom for Heroism, in recognition of his efforts in saving Tara Vreeland.

The medal, considered North America’s highest civilian honor for heroism, is given out to those:

..individuals in the United States and Canada who risk death or serious physical injury to an extraordinary degree saving or attempting to save the lives of others.

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It's an amazing Colorado story that brings chills, tears, and a lump to your throat; a woman goes after her dogs and nearly drowns, if not for the help of strangers.

Hero Strangers Save Windsor, Colorado, Woman From Drowning in Frozen Pond

It's a story about following one's instincts: On one hand, the instinct to chase after your dogs without thinking of the consequences; the other, the instinct of not thinking about the consequences in trying to save another's life.

Common Colorado Activity Leads to Uncommon Rescue

Two things that go together in Colorado: Dogs and the outdoors. Everyday, you'll find a human taking their dog(s) out for a walk in the beautiful Colorado outdoors. Here comes a story of a "good walk" turning into a miraculous rescue.

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In late January of 2025, a woman was walking her two dogs along the Poudre Trail as it winds through Windsor, when mayhem happened. According to CBS4 Denver, the two dogs got tangled in their leashes, so the woman took them off to sort it all out.

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With that, one of the dogs went chasing after some geese it saw across the nearby water, which was frozen. The dog fell into the icy water and the woman immediately went after, with the other dog following.

Next thing you know, the ice gives way beneath her and she's in the freezing water, with her dogs also freaking out, hindering her from staying afloat. Another woman who was also walking the trail saw the woman and called 911 for help.

MORE: The Colorado Dog That's a Mayor

The woman who had fallen into the water was loosing consciousness, when she heard a man's voice telling her to "grab the stick."

That man was another passing stranger had grabbed a sturdy tree branch, gotten onto his stomach and gotten out to this drowning woman close enough so that he could help her.

On February 20, 2025, the two Good Samaritans, "heroes" in anyone's book, were recognized by Windsor Severance Fire Rescue with the WSFR Citizen Lifesaving Award.

From the Windsor Severance Fire Chief --

...this award is designated for those who, in times of crisis, prioritize the well-being of others over their own, demonstrating bravery, quick thinking, and unwavering dedication to their fellow citizens.

Watch the woman tell the story; have your tissues nearby:

Thank you, Lou and Judd.